The number of Bangladeshis to receive the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award has risen to 14 after Runa Khan, the founder of non-governmental organisation Friendship named a recipient for 2026.

Widely regarded as the ‘Nobel Prize of Asia’, the Ramon Magsaysay Award is Asia’s premier prize and highest honour.

Established in 1958 in memory of Ramon Magsaysay, the seventh president of the Philippines, the award honours individuals and organisations for their ‘greatness of spirit’ and transformative leadership in Asia.

Over the years, the award has recognised exceptional contributions across a wide range of fields, including public service, community leadership, social innovation, education, healthcare and environmental protection.

Bangladesh has a long history of Magsaysay laureates, beginning with Tahrunnesa Abdullah in 1978.

Among the country’s other recipients are Nobel laureate and Grameen Bank founder Prof Muhammad Yunus, BRAC founder Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, Gonoshasthaya Kendra founder Zafrullah Chowdhury, environmental lawyer Syeda Rizwana Hasan and scientist Dr Firdausi Qadri.

Here are the 14 Bangladeshis who have received the Ramon Magsaysay Award –

Runa Khan — 2026

Runa Khan, founder and executive director of Friendship, became the latest Bangladeshi recipient of the Ramon Magsaysay Award. She was recognised for more than two decades of leadership in developing integrated and locally led solutions that help marginalised communities live with greater opportunity, dignity and hope.

Korvi Rakshand — 2023

Founder of JAAGO Foundation, Korvi Rakshand received the award in the emergent leadership category for his work in developing inclusive education for underprivileged children and promoting social change. He became the 13th Bangladeshi recipient of the honour.

 Firdausi Qadri — 2021

Scientist Dr Firdausi Qadri received the award for her contribution to infectious disease control, immunology, vaccine development and clinical trials.

Syeda Rizwana Hasan — 2012

Environmental lawyer Syeda Rizwana Hasan was recognised for her courage and leadership in protecting the environment and defending the rights and dignity of marginalised communities.

AHM Noman Khan — 2010

AHM Noman Khan, founder and executive director of the Centre for Disability in Development, received the award for his significant contribution to improving the lives and opportunities of people with disabilities.

Matiur Rahman — 2005

The editor of Prothom Alo, Matiur Rahman was honoured for his efforts to create public awareness against acid violence and mobilise support for acid-burn victims through Prothom Alo and the Prothom Alo Trust. He was described as a ‘navigator of positive social and cultural change’ in Bangladesh.

Abdullah Abu Sayeed — 2004

Writer, educator and cultural activist Abdullah Abu Sayeed received the award for journalism, literature and creative communication arts in recognition of his contribution to education, literature and cultural development.

Angela Gomes — 1999

Angela Gomes received the award in the Community Leadership category for her work helping rural women improve their livelihoods, assert their rights and achieve greater gender equality.

Mohammad Yeasin — 1988

Mohammad Yeasin, a tea-shop proprietor who founded the Deedar Comprehensive Village Development Cooperative Society, was recognised for his contribution to social and economic development in rural Bangladesh.

Richard William Timm — 1987

Catholic priest Father Richard William Timm, one of the founders of Notre Dame College in Dhaka, received the award for international understanding.

Zafrullah Chowdhury — 1985

Founder of Gonoshasthaya Kendra, Zafrullah Chowdhury was honoured for his contribution to improving healthcare and the wellbeing of poor and disadvantaged people.

Muhammad Yunus — 1984

Nobel laureate and Grameen Bank founder Prof Muhammad Yunus received the award for Community Leadership in recognition of his pioneering work in microcredit and efforts to empower poor communities.

Fazle Hasan Abed — 1980

The founder of BRAC, Sir Fazle Hasan Abed received the award in the Community Leadership category for his pioneering work in community development and poverty alleviation.

Tahrunnesa Abdullah — 1978

Tahrunnesa Abdullah was the first Bangladeshi to receive the Ramon Magsaysay Award. She was honoured in the community leadership category for her work in advancing the rights, livelihoods and social participation of rural Bangladeshi women.