Extra Curricular
Extra Curricular
One of the founder members of a volunteer organization under the name of Zero (2019-present)
In the early days of the COVID-19 lockdown, when fear and uncertainty spread faster than the virus itself, I co-founded a grassroots relief initiative called Zero alongside a group of my school friends, many of whom are now dedicated doctors. What began as a series of urgent phone calls turned into a determined mission to stand by those most vulnerable in our hometown of Rajshahi. United by a shared sense of responsibility and a deep connection to our community, we launched donation drives, coordinated logistics, and reached out to families in need. Through collective effort and local support, we were able to provide food and essential supplies to over 6,000 people during the most critical phases of the pandemic.
Facebook public group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/247737356394372
Zero’s mission didn’t stop at food distribution. We went beyond the basics to meet life-saving needs. We transported oxygen cylinders directly to the homes of patients struggling to breathe, often in areas where medical access was limited. We distributed free pulse oximeters to help families monitor their loved ones' oxygen levels, a small device that often made a big difference. In collaboration with college and university labs, we produced disinfectant sprays and supplied them to the front liners and communities. Our team also worked tirelessly to prepare and distribute cooked meals to families who had lost all means of income. What made this effort powerful was not just the scale of service, but the spirit of it. Starting with just six founding members, myself, Golam Tousif, Ahmed Istiaque, Rifat Zahid, Shohorab Hossain Hasib, and Abu Ismail Siddique Saif, the initiative grew to include over 100 volunteers by the end of 2020.
One of the founder members of my family business under the name of Acharer Jhuri (2020-2022)
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when my family faced financial backlash in real estate business, we started a small home-based business called Acharer Jhuri, built around something simple yet full of love: homemade pickles. With the support of my mother’s time-honored recipes and my brothers drive to contribute, we created and sold over 1,500 bottles of 'happiness' to more than 500 customers across Dhaka. What started as a survival idea quickly became a heartfelt venture, bringing a taste of tradition to people’s homes during a time when comfort was in short supply.
We managed every part of the operation, from sourcing fresh ingredients and bottling with care, to branding, marketing through social media, and personally delivering orders while following safety protocols. The feedback we received was overwhelmingly kind, and it gave both me and my family a renewed sense of hope during a difficult period. However, as time passed, my mother decided to stop the commercial preparation of pickles to focus on family, and I soon left for the United States to begin my PhD journey.
Served in a volunteer blood donation organization under the name of Badhon (2016-2022)
Back in Bangladesh, one of the most meaningful commitments I’ve carried with me is my long-standing involvement with Badhon, a voluntary blood donors’ organization. I joined Badhon in 2016 during my undergraduate years at BUET, driven by a simple desire to help others in moments of urgent need. Since then, I’ve donated blood eight times and have taken part in organizing emergency blood donation drives for patients facing critical shortages. It wasn’t just about giving blood, it was about being part of a network of students who showed up for their communities when it mattered most. Even after coming to the United States, the spirit of service I found in Badhon continues to inspire how I engage with people around me.
Served in International Students Association (ISA), Muslim Students Association (MSA) and Students Association of Bangladesh (SAB) at Louisiana Tech University (2023-Present)
At Louisiana Tech University, I had the privilege of serving as the Cultural Coordinator for the International Students Association (ISA) during the 2023–2024 academic year. I have served alongside an incredibly diverse executive board, Benjamin Olivier, Luca Ratiani, Issac Kim, Stuti Khatiwada, Fariza Abdurakhimova, Reeya Shrestha, Hassaan Bukhari, Saphal Pant, Victor, and Kritik Saxena, representing students from Asia, Europe, and Africa.
I helped organize events that celebrated culture, unity, and diversity. Highlights included the International Scholarship Dinner, where we showcased talents and cuisines from across the world, and the International Bazaar, a vibrant marketplace-style event filled with food, crafts, and cultural exhibitions. These gatherings weren’t just events, they were bridges of understanding and joy, especially meaningful for those adjusting to life far from home.
My involvement extended into faith-based circles as well. I currently serve as the Treasurer of the Muslim Students Association (MSA), where I manage financial operations and help coordinate events that foster spiritual growth and community engagement. I have served in two executive committees in two consecutive years with members, Jarif Ul Alam, Fariza Abdurakhimova, Jabed Parves Bappy, Nusrat Tisha, Hassaan Bukhari, Sunzid Hasan, Yaser and Zain.
One of our most impactful events was a Talk Event on Women in Islam, where we invited a guest speaker to share her insights. The session was followed by an open Q&A that sparked respectful dialogue with people from various religious and cultural backgrounds asking questions and sharing perspectives. We also organized an Eid-ul-Fitr celebration, creating a festive and inclusive environment for students to come together, enjoy traditional food, and celebrate after the month of Ramadan.
I also had the honor of serving as the Vice President of the Students' Association of Bangladesh (SAB), a community grounded in cultural pride and mutual support. Our goal was simple yet deeply meaningful: to ensure that no Bangladeshi student ever felt alone or out of place. In the 2024-25 committee, I have served alongside Sabbir Alom Shuvo, Radif Uddin Ahmed, Savala Ariba Salam, and Ajaan Rahman Khan.
We celebrated our traditions with events like Pohela Boishakh, the first day of Bengali New Year, marked by music, colorful attire, home-cooked food, and joyful festivities that brought a sense of Bangladesh to campus. We also hosted sports tournaments, encouraging connection and healthy competition, and organized fresher’s receptions to warmly welcome new students into the community. These contributions, along with our visible impact on campus life, led to our organization being featured in the Lagniappe yearbook of Louisiana Tech University for two consecutive years (2024 and 2025).