Staff Reporter:
Two siblings, Suhana Rahman Sukannya (16) and Minhajul Abedin Jisan (14), have been nominated for one of the world’s most prestigious child rights awards, the International Children Peace Prize.
This marks a historic moment for Bangladesh, as it is a rare occurrence for two siblings from the same family to receive this nomination simultaneously.
Suhana has been considered for this honour for the second time in recognition of her work in suicide prevention and mental health awareness.
She is the chief coordinator of a youth-led initiative called ‘Talk Hope’, which focuses on raising mental health awareness, preventing suicide, and expanding mental health support services.
The main inspiration for Suhana’s initiative stemmed from the deep sorrow of losing a volunteer to suicide. From that experience, she vowed that no one should neglect mental health and suicide tendencies again. Her younger brother, Minhajul Abedin Jisan, plays a leading role in child rights protection and gender equality, working specifically to ensure the safety, dignity, and rights of children and women.
Their father, Muhammad Shoebur Rahman, an official at the Bangladesh Power Development Board, expressed, “This is not only a matter of pride for our family but for the entire country of Bangladesh. Our children have become symbols of positive change in society, and there is no greater satisfaction than this.”
Their mother, Khaleda Sultana, added, “The joint international recognition of my two children is an indescribable joy.
As a mother, there is no greater satisfaction than this.”
