Iqbal Bahar Zahid has challenged the traditional approach to education by creating something extraordinary. In an exclusive conversation with The Fame, he shared his journey—2,585 consecutive days of teaching entrepreneurship to nearly two million young Bangladeshis, all for free. His initiative, Nijer Bolar Moto Ekta Golpo (Make Your Own Story in Life), has transformed lives and set a world record.
After speaking at over 120 seminars, Zahid noticed a troubling pattern: “They would get motivated, receive directions, and applaud,” he recalls, “but after leaving the sessions, they would forget everything.” This realization led to his long-term training program.
Starting in January 2018 with just 164 youths, his program now spans all 64 districts of Bangladesh and 50 countries, offering 90-day training cycles in business skills, emotional intelligence, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Through 29 consecutive online batches, he has trained thousands in marketing, digital business, freelancing, and money management, producing 110,000 entrepreneurs, generating 500,000 jobs, and empowering 165,000 women.
Beyond business, his community has organized blood donation drives, tree-planting campaigns, and food distribution programs. During the COVID-19 crisis, they provided food supplies to 8,000 families across 40 districts. His work contributes to UN SDGs 4, 8, and 9.
His impact earned him the Post & Telecommunication Award (2023), CMO Asia’s Most Admired Entrepreneur (2019), and the Global Youth Leadership Award (2021). Through his book, with proceeds funding underprivileged children’s education, Zahid isn’t just teaching entrepreneurship—he’s shaping millions of futures. As he puts it, “One day we all have to leave this world. The real question is, what will we leave behind?”
