Corporate
Talk Hope: A Youth-Led Mental Health Movement Born from Tragedy, Built on Hope
In Bangladesh, mental health remains a deeply stigmatized and often overlooked issue.
Despite growing global awareness, discussions around depression, emotional trauma, or
suicide are still avoided in most Bangladeshi communities. In this environment of silence,
one youth-led initiative is creating space for dialogue, understanding, and healing. That
initiative is Talk Hope, a national mental health awareness and suicide prevention
movement founded by Md Saddam Hossain Roni under his organization SHADOW —
Society for Humanity And Development Over the World.
The story of Talk Hope begins with tragedy. On February 27, 2024, a dedicated and
promising volunteer of SHADOW took their own life. The loss was devastating, shaking the
entire organization and especially Roni, who had built a close-knit community of young
changemakers. Grieving and searching for answers, Roni realized that despite their
humanitarian efforts, they had missed signs of someone silently suffering. Just two days
later, on February 29, 2024, he launched Talk Hope — a project born from loss, committed
to ensuring that no other young person feels unseen, unheard, or alone.
Talk Hope is designed as a sustainable, youth-led platform for suicide prevention, mental
health awareness, emotional support, and psychological first aid. It trains volunteers to
listen empathetically, provides virtual peer support sessions, and organizes educational
workshops and awareness seminars both online and in communities. The initiative engages
with schools, universities, and local organizations to build a culture of open mental health
dialogue — replacing stigma with sensitivity and silence with support.
Understanding the importance of responsible and informed intervention, Roni undertook a
series of global certifications to build his own capacity and shape the initiative around
evidence-based approaches. He completed a Psychological First Aid certification from Johns
Hopkins University, a course on Gender Analytics from the University of Toronto, and an
Introduction to Psychology from Yale University. These courses helped lay a solid
foundation for Talk Hope, where empathy is backed by expertise.
To further strengthen the project’s capacity, Talk Hope works in collaboration with the
Bangladesh Psychological Association (BPA). Many licensed psychologists from BPA
voluntarily support the platform by helping train its youth volunteers, guiding emotional
support protocols, supervising psychological first aid cases, and conducting expert sessions.
This professional backing has added significant credibility and impact to the initiative.
Before founding Talk Hope, Roni had already earned recognition as a youth leader and
social activist. Born on May 7, 1994, in Cumilla, he began his journey in service through
Rotary International, where he rose through various youth leadership roles. Over the years,
he founded SHADOW, an organization working in disaster relief, education, youth
leadership, and human rights. He is a Paul Harris Fellow (PHF +6), recipient of the Rotary
Youth Leadership All-Star 2017 (Top 5 globally) recognition, and serves as Chief Adviser of
the Rotary Interact Alumni Association of South Asia. His leadership also extends to
professional roles, including as Brand Development Officer at Sthapona Architectural
Consultants Ltd., and CEO of SHADOW IT.
Roni’s vision is not just to lead — but to empower. Through Talk Hope, he and his team
hope to normalize mental health conversations, foster peer-based support systems, and
help build an emotionally resilient generation. He believes that the youth of Bangladesh
have the strength to support one another — if only they are given the tools and space to do
so.
"Hope is not a slogan," says Roni. "It's a bridge between silence and survival. We are simply
building that bridge — one conversation at a time."
Looking ahead, Talk Hope plans to launch a national mental health web portal, establish
mental health clubs in schools and universities, build a stronger counselor referral network,
and collaborate with more public and private institutions to take mental health advocacy to
every corner of the country.
From a moment of unbearable grief emerged a mission of healing. Today, Talk Hope stands
as a beacon for countless young people — reminding them that being vulnerable is not
weakness, and seeking help is an act of courage.
China Correspondent: A five-day foreign media visit to China’s Shandong Province from August 10 to 14 gave international journalists and foreign friends the chance to gain firsthand insights into the province’s technological innovation, cultural heritage, ecological conservation, and high-quality development.
The visit, themed “Opportunities in China, Innovation in Qingdao,” was organized by CRI Online of China Media Group, the Information Office of the Qingdao Municipal People’s Government, and the Information Office of the Dongying Municipal People’s Government.
The delegation visited Qingdao and Dongying, where participants exchanged ideas with local communities, enterprises, cultural institutions, and development projects. Through field visits and discussions, they explored how Shandong balances technological progress, cultural preservation, environmental protection, and improvements in people’s livelihoods.
The program covered a broad range of topics, including artificial intelligence, intelligent manufacturing, biotechnology, healthcare, marine industries, rural revitalization, cultural heritage, urban renewal, and ecological conservation.
In Qingdao, the delegation gained an understanding of the city’s growing innovation capacity and saw how advanced technologies are being applied in manufacturing and other areas of daily life. Participants also explored how traditional culture integrates with modern tourism and experienced the city’s distinctive coastal culture.
The visit also highlighted efforts to promote rural revitalization and develop cultural tourism and wellness-related industries. Through interactions and cultural experiences, participants observed how traditional food and tea culture, historic neighborhoods, and local heritage are being preserved while being integrated into contemporary economic and social development.
In Dongying, the delegation explored the relationship between the Yellow River, local culture, industrial development, and ecological conservation. Located at the mouth of the Yellow River, Dongying offered an important perspective on protecting and sustainably using the river’s ecological and cultural resources.
The Yellow River was a central theme of the Dongying visit. Participants learned about the river’s historical and cultural significance and observed efforts to protect the Yellow River Delta ecosystem. They also gained insights into the city’s industrial development and its efforts to pursue technological innovation and greener growth.
The delegation further observed how ecological challenges can be transformed into opportunities for sustainable development, including through the innovative utilization of saline-alkaline land and the protection of wetlands in the Yellow River Delta.
The delegation included representatives from overseas media organizations in Bangladesh, Canada, South Korea, and Pakistan, as well as international friends from Sri Lanka, Thailand, and other countries.
Corporate
International Seminar at Peking University Explores the Contemporary Relevance of Edgar Snow’s Legacy
An international seminar titled “The Contemporary Value of Edgar Snow’s Spirit” was held at Peking University on Tuesday (July 8), bringing together scholars, journalists, researchers and young representatives from around the world to examine the enduring legacy of renowned American journalist Edgar Snow and his role in fostering greater understanding between China and the international community.
Jointly hosted by Xinhua News Agency and Peking University, and organized by the Xinhua Institute, the seminar marked the conclusion of a six-day research and study tour conducted from July 2 to 7, retracing Snow’s historic journey through Shaanxi Province and the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.
During the field program, participants followed the route taken by Edgar Snow during his landmark reporting in northern Shaanxi, gaining firsthand insight into the locations that inspired his influential book, Red Star Over China. Organizers said the journey offered international delegates a deeper understanding of China’s revolutionary history, development path and the values that continue to shape the country’s modernization.
The delegation visited several key revolutionary sites, including Yan’an and Zhidan County, where they toured museums, memorial halls and former headquarters associated with the Chinese Red Army. They also explored the former site of the Counter-Japanese Military and Political University, the Bao’an Revolution Site Memorial Museum, and memorials commemorating the Red Army’s arrival in northern Shaanxi. Guided tours and historical exhibitions highlighted the hardships, determination and ideals of China’s revolutionary period.
As part of the program, participants attended the themed sharing session “Retracing Snow’s Route,” where scholars and guests discussed the lasting influence of Edgar Snow’s reporting on global perceptions of China. Delegates also watched the immersive theatrical production “Thirteen Years in Yan’an,” which vividly portrayed the revolutionary era through contemporary storytelling.
The itinerary extended beyond revolutionary history to showcase China’s progress in ecological conservation and sustainable development. In Zhongwei and other locations in Ningxia, participants learned about environmental protection initiatives along the Yellow River, the achievements of the Three-North Shelter Forest Program, and China’s efforts to balance ecological preservation with economic growth. Organizers noted that these visits demonstrated how former revolutionary regions have evolved into examples of green development and rural revitalization.
The delegation also traveled to Tongxin County, visiting the Red Army Westward Expedition Memorial Hall and other significant historical sites. Participants joined the Red Tongxin Forum, where they exchanged views with scholars and local representatives on the historical significance of the Long March, Edgar Snow’s reporting and the importance of preserving revolutionary heritage for future generations.
Addressing the seminar, speakers emphasized that Edgar Snow’s commitment to truth, objective journalism and cross-cultural communication continues to inspire journalists, academics and young people worldwide. They noted that his work presented a more authentic picture of China to the international community and helped build a foundation for mutual understanding between China and other countries.
International delegates said retracing Snow’s historic journey allowed them to gain a deeper appreciation of China’s history, culture and development beyond what could be learned through books or media reports. They described the experience as an opportunity to engage directly with historical sites, scholars and local communities.
According to the organizers, the initiative aims to strengthen international exchanges by encouraging firsthand engagement with China’s history, culture and development. By retracing Edgar Snow’s footsteps and promoting dialogue among scholars, journalists and youth from different countries, the program seeks to carry forward the values of truth, friendship and mutual respect that defined Edgar Snow’s legacy.
The event brought together approximately 200 representatives, including members of the Edgar Snow Memorial Foundation, Snow’s family members, experts, scholars and Generation Z youth from China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Bangladesh, Egypt, Armenia and several other countries.
The Rotary Club of Sonargaon Dhaka has elected its new Board of Directors for the Rotary Year 2026–2027. Prominent banker Mohammad Sahin Uddin has been elected as President of the Club.
The newly elected 17-member Board also includes Shahidul Alam as General Secretary and Abu Shaheen as Treasurer. The Board will lead the Club and oversee its activities for the next one year.
Mohammad Sahin Uddin is a distinguished banking professional with extensive experience in the financial sector. He is actively involved in several professional and social organizations and currently serves as an Executive Committee Member of the Bankers’ Club, the Accounting Alumni Association, University of Dhaka, the Bankers’ Welfare Association, and several other organizations.
Expressing his gratitude to the members for their confidence and support, Mohammad Sahin Uddin said that he is committed to upholding Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self,” by strengthening the Club’s humanitarian initiatives in the areas of education, healthcare, community development, environmental sustainability, and youth empowerment. He emphasized that, with the active cooperation of all members, the Club will continue to make a meaningful and lasting impact on society.
The newly elected Board reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the Club’s proud legacy while expanding its community service initiatives and promoting the ideals and values of Rotary through impactful projects over the coming year.
