Nahid Islam, a prominent coordinator of Bangladesh’s anti-inequality student movement, has been named one of the world’s most influential people in TIME Magazine’s prestigious ‘TIME-100’ list for 2024. This globally recognized list highlights the top 100 individuals who are shaping the world.
In their feature, TIME writes, “Nahid Islam didn’t need to be older than 26 to challenge one of the most powerful figures in the world.” A graduate in sociology, Nahid became the face of a nationwide student movement opposing Bangladesh’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina. 
Known for his resilience, Nahid’s influence grew after enduring torture by intelligence agencies. Despite the personal risks, Nahid delivered the students’ bold demand: “Hasina must resign.” His leadership ignited weeks of protests, which culminated in Prime Minister Hasina fleeing the country on August 5.
TIME also hints at even greater challenges ahead for Nahid, as he is now one of the two “Gen-Z advisors” to an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. Their critical task: to rebuild Bangladesh’s democratic system after 15 years of increasing authoritarian rule.
Nahid shared his vision with TIME: “We need to understand the pulse of the new generation. Political violence between the parties must end for Bangladesh to move forward.”
This recognition places Nahid Islam among global change-makers and solidifies his impact on the future of Bangladesh.
