Students move ahead of grade level, 3,413 honoured at BRAC Kumon ASHR 2026
3,413 students recognised at BRAC Kumon ASHR 2026
(Students advance beyond grade level through self-learning approach)
A total of 3,413 students from Dhaka and Chattogram were recognised for progressing beyond their school grade level at the “BRAC Kumon ASHR 2026 (Advanced Student Honour Roll)”, held on Friday.
The event took place at the Multipurpose Hall of BRAC University and brought together students, parents, Kumon instructors, and representatives from various institutions.
Currently, nearly 10,000 students in Bangladesh are learning through the Kumon Method, developed by the Kumon Institute of Education. Through regular practice and a self-learning approach, many are progressing several years ahead of their designated school grade.
State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj attended the programme as chief guest, while Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh SAIDA Shinichi was present as special guest. The session was chaired by Asif Saleh, executive director of BRAC and chairperson of BRAC Kumon Limited.
Speaking at the event, Bobby Hajjaj said Bangladesh has nearly 20 million primary-level students, and improving the quality of primary education remains a key priority. He noted that methods like Kumon could offer insights into improving learning outcomes at scale, and stressed the importance of public-private collaboration.
Ambassador SAIDA Shinichi described the recognition as not only a celebration of academic achievement but also a step towards building students’ confidence and self-awareness. He also shared that he had been a Kumon student himself and completed up to Level I.
Asif Saleh said the Kumon Method helps students develop independent learning skills, enabling them to adapt in a rapidly changing world. He added that such skills are essential for future success and that BRAC will continue working with the government to expand access to this learning approach.
Nehal Bin Hasan, chief business officer of BRAC Kumon, presented an overview of the method, highlighting that the Kumon English programme strengthens reading comprehension - an essential skill for academic success, admission tests, and everyday life.
The Advanced Student Honour Roll (ASHR) recognises students who study one to five years or more ahead of their school grade level through structured and consistent practice. This year’s recognition reflects a growing number of students in Bangladesh developing strong independent learning habits.
Organised under the theme “The Japanese Spirit of Mastery”, the event also featured elements of Japanese culture, including a live Taiko drum performance and activities such as Manga and Shodō art.
BRAC Kumon started its journey in 2017 with a single centre in Dhanmondi and now operates 35 centres across Dhaka and Chattogram. Alongside academic advancement, the programme emphasises self-learning ability, confidence, discipline, and long-term study habits.
Representatives from organisations including the Japan International Cooperation Agency, MUFG Bank Ltd., Ekmattra Entrepreneurs Ltd., Bangladesh SEZ Ltd., and BRAC University were present at the event.
The programme was supported by Aarong, BRAC Bank, Aarong Dairy, IPDC Finance PLC, and other partner organisations.
