UoL alumnus wins prestigious Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award

Footsteps develops projects aimed at educating local communities and providing valuable resources to those in need. They provide over 600,000 people across Bangladesh with safe water, sanitation access, and improved health services. 

Mohammad, along with Footsteps co-founder Shah Chowdhury, were recognised for their pioneering work, winning a prestigious Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award on 9 November. We spoke to Mohammad about his work with Footsteps and how it felt to be recognised at the Awards. 

A huge congratulations on winning a Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award! Can you tell us a bit more about how you were nominated for the ‘Dedication’ award? 

Thank you for the warm congratulations! Winning the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award for Dedication has been an incredible honour. 

Unlike many awards, this recognition doesn’t have a traditional nomination or application process. Instead, the organisation independently researches youth leaders globally who are working to create meaningful change and whose efforts align with the six core principles of Muhammad Ali: confidence, conviction, dedication, respect, giving, and spirituality.

Based on this meticulous research, they identify and select awardees for each principle and reach out to them directly. It’s truly humbling to know that our work through Footsteps Bangladesh resonated with their mission and values, leading to this recognition.

What does it mean to you to have your NGO ‘Footsteps’ recognised by such a high profile body?

Having Footsteps Bangladesh recognised by such a prestigious body as the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards is deeply meaningful on multiple levels. It is not just a validation of the work we’ve done but a testament to the resilience and dedication of our entire team, our partners, and the communities we serve.

This recognition amplifies our mission and reminds us that the work we started as young dreamers in high school has transcended borders and made an impact significant enough to align with the legacy of Muhammad Ali—a global icon of justice, humanity, and resilience.

It also serves as a powerful reminder that youth-led initiatives, even from a country like Bangladesh, can inspire global change. For us, it reinforces the importance of staying committed to our values and striving to address some of the most pressing issues of our time, knowing that the world is watching and supporting our efforts.

Above all, it fuels our belief that small, consistent actions can lead to extraordinary change, and it strengthens our resolve to continue serving our communities with even greater determination.
 

What is next for Footsteps?

The future of Footsteps is centred on scaling our impact and continuing to innovate. Currently, we’re active in 40 out of 64 districts in Bangladesh, and our immediate goal is to extend our reach to all corners of the country. We envision a Bangladesh where every community, no matter how remote, has access to sustainable solutions for their most pressing challenges.

Beyond national expansion, we aim to take our initiatives to the global stage. Our vision is to position solutions developed in Bangladesh - rooted in local knowledge and resilience - as models that can inspire and empower communities worldwide facing similar issues.

Innovation will remain at the heart of our work. We’re committed to integrating cutting-edge technology and creative approaches into our projects, ensuring they are adaptable, efficient, and impactful. By doing so, we hope to not only enhance the lives of those we serve but also contribute to global conversations on development, sustainability, and youth leadership.

What did you enjoy most about the ceremony?

The Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards ceremony was truly a magical experience, filled with moments that will stay with me forever. What I enjoyed most was the opportunity to connect with such an inspiring group of changemakers from around the world. Hearing their stories and seeing the incredible diversity of impact reaffirmed the power of collective action and humanity’s shared purpose. 

Furthermore, the opportunity to be recognised alongside global icons like Shaquille O’Neal, Nile Rodgers, and Bryan Stevenson felt surreal. Growing up, I admired them - whether it was watching Shaquille’s brilliance on the court, being inspired by Nile’s timeless music, or following Bryan’s unwavering pursuit of justice. Connecting with them in person felt surreal, as their work and legacy have always been a source of admiration for me.
 
The ceremony itself was a celebration of Muhammad Ali’s legacy, infused with his values of courage, resilience, and giving back. From the heartfelt speeches to the electrifying atmosphere, every moment radiated inspiration and hope.

But perhaps what stood out most was the realisation that our work through Footsteps Bangladesh was being celebrated on such a grand platform. It was deeply humbling to see how our journey resonated with the legacy of someone as iconic as Muhammad Ali. It left me with a renewed sense of purpose and a greater commitment to the work ahead.

Can you please describe the experience in three words?

Legacy-driven, grateful, and motivating.