Bangladeshi health champion Murad Ansary named Asia regional winner for Commonwealth Youth Awards

Murad Ansary, a Bangladeshi health and well-being advocate, has been named the top regional winner for Asia for the 2025 Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work.

Murad is the founder of 'Psycure', a one-stop digital solution platform for mental health and emotional well-being dedicated to providing affordable, accessible and high-quality mental health services, reads a press release.

The organisation has provided direct counselling services to over 3,000 individuals and trained 12,000 young people on mental health topics, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to manage mental health challenges. His project aligns with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being.

Ansary clinched the top position in Asia from a shortlist that included Keyaan Shah and Smriti Bhaya from India, and Putri Humairah Binti Monashofian Putra from Malaysia. 

Over 800 applications were received for the awards and they were carefully reviewed by a panel of 54 Pan-Commonwealth adjudicators. From an initial shortlist of 31 people, the 20 finalists were selected, representing every region of the Commonwealth.

Murad was selected alongside 19 other finalists who are making significant contributions toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fostering development within their countries and beyond.

The finalists include social entrepreneurs, climate advocates, innovators and community health champions.

Congratulating the 20 finalists, Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland KC, said, "Across our 56 nations, we see young leaders tackling poverty, fighting for climate justice, advocating for education and bringing hope to communities in need. They are not just the leaders of tomorrow – they are leaders right now. The hope that your leadership brings us is not just a feeling – it can be felt tangibly in the results of your actions and collaborations, which build our collective confidence in the possibility of even greater change." 

She continued, "As we honour our regional award winners, our Peace Award champions, and our Commonwealth Young Person of the Year, let today serve as a reminder. You are seen. You are valued."