“Every Change Has to Begin Somewhere.”

When we look at today's children, we see a generation growing up in a world very different from the one we experienced. Technology has become a part of almost every aspect of their lives. Smartphones, online games, social media and digital platforms have opened new doors for communication, entertainment and learning. But somewhere along the way, we have also begun to notice another reality.

Many children are spending increasing amounts of time in front of screens, while spending less time reading, playing, exploring, creating and simply being curious about the world around them.

Recent research in Bangladesh has made this concern difficult to ignore. Studies involving schoolchildren in Dhaka have reported very high levels of daily screen exposure, while other Bangladesh-focused research has found associations between problematic smartphone use, sleep, academic engagement and other aspects of children's well-being.

But research alone cannot change a child's life. A report can tell us that there is a problem. A statistic can tell us how large the problem may be. 

Real change begins when we decide to do something about it. That is where the journey of Brain Forge Educational Research, Analysis & Development Centre begins.

We do not believe that mobile phones are the enemy. Technology is a part of the future, and our children must learn how to use it intelligently. The real question is:

Are we teaching our children to use technology—or are we allowing technology to use their time, attention and potential?

We believe the answer lies not simply in taking devices away. Children need something meaningful to return to. They need opportunities to explore. They need practical activities. They need science. They need creativity. They need sports and social interaction. They need challenges that make them curious. They need reasons to put the phone down—not merely instructions to do so. This is why Scholars of the Year 2026 is important to us.

We do not see it merely as a competition. We see it as a first experiment. A first field activity. A first opportunity to observe. A first opportunity to learn from students, parents and educators. And, most importantly, a first step toward a much larger journey.

We are beginning with limited resources. We are a new research centre, and we understand that we cannot change the entire education system overnight. Nor do we claim that one competition can solve the problem of digital dependency.

But I strongly believe that the absence of a perfect solution should never become an excuse for taking no action. If we can help even a small number of children rediscover their interest in learning, science, reading, creativity and practical work, then our first step will have meaning.

And if we can learn from that experience, collect evidence, analyse the outcomes and use that knowledge to design something better next year, then we will have achieved something even more valuable.

Our philosophy is simple:

Research before assumption
Action before promises
Evidence before conclusions
Improvement before repetition

Brain Forge is starting this journey from selected areas of Dhaka, Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions. We hope that, over time, this small beginning can grow into a wider educational research and development platform. We want to listen to children. We want to understand parents. We want to work with educators. We want to collaborate with researchers and organisations. And together, we want to explore one important question:

How can we make early-stage education more practical, engaging and meaningful for the children who will shape Bangladesh's future?

I know that the journey will not be easy. There will be limitations. There will be mistakes. There will be things that do not work. But that is precisely why research is necessary. We will observe. We will learn. We will improve. And we will continue. Because our responsibility is not simply to prepare children for their next examination. Our responsibility is to help prepare them for their future.

Brain Forge is not beginning with a promise to change everything. We are beginning with a commitment to change something—and to keep learning until we can do more. This is our first step. And perhaps, one day, we will look back at this small beginning and realise that it was the beginning of something much bigger.

As I conclude, by the grace of almighty Allah, Alhamdulillah, we have finally been able to take our first step. InshaAllah, with sincerity - continuous effort - the support of our partners and the collective efforts of everyone who believes in this vision, we hope to turn our dream into reality and ultimately, contribute to the educational development and overall progress of our country. 

/// Director
Brain Forge Educational Research, Analysis & Development Centre