Mohammad Taqi Yasir (Bar Professional Training Course, 2019), co-founder and vice-president of Footsteps Bangladesh, continues to improve people’s lives through his work. We reconnected with Mohammad after he was recognised at the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards in November 2024.
In 2022, we celebrated Mohammad Taqi Yasir’s inclusion in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia in the Social Impact category. Mohammad shared how his father inspired Mohammad to help others, co-found the now thriving development organisation Footsteps in his home country Bangladesh, and pursue a career in law, which took him to The City Law School in London. You can read the full story here.
Since the last time we spoke to Mohammad, his work and that of Footsteps have continued to support people and communities in Bangladesh, and the progress is being recognised. Mohammad and his Footsteps co-founder Shah Chowdhury were recently award recipients at the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards 2024 and Mohammad won the Social Action award at the Study UK Alumni Awards 2023-24 in Bangladesh. We were delighted to do a Q&A with Mohammad and learn more about the progress that has happened over the past couple of years.
Mohammad: Winning these prestigious awards—the Study UK Alumni Award for Social Action and the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award—feels like a profound validation of a journey that began with a dream. It is not just a personal honour but a testament to the resilience, belief, and unwavering dedication of everyone who has been part of Footsteps Bangladesh. These awards symbolize hope—hope that even the smallest acts of change can resonate far beyond what we imagine.
For me, they are deeply personal. They remind me of the sleepless nights spent drafting ideas, the setbacks that felt insurmountable, and the belief that even in the face of failure, progress is possible. But more than anything, these awards shine a light on the people and communities we serve—the brave women who’ve become leaders, the children who dream of a better future, and the countless lives touched by our work. They reinforce that our mission is not just about solving problems; it’s about restoring dignity, building resilience, and inspiring others to join us on this path of service.
These awards are milestones, not endpoints. They challenge us to strive harder, think bigger, and stay rooted in our commitment to creating a world where every individual, no matter how vulnerable, has a chance to thrive.
How has your work evolved since 2022?
Mohammad: Since our last conversation, the evolution of Footsteps Bangladesh has been nothing short of extraordinary. What started as an ambitious goal to provide clean water to underserved communities has blossomed into a movement that empowers nearly 700,000 individuals. It’s a transformation that stems from a belief that solutions, no matter how small, can ripple outward and create lasting change.
One of the most transformative aspects of our work has been putting women at the forefront of our initiatives. These women, once overlooked, are now celebrated as water entrepreneurs and disaster responders. They aren’t just distributing clean water — they’re rewriting the narratives of their communities. They’ve taken ownership of solutions, breaking cycles of dependency and showing us what it truly means to lead from within.
We’ve also shifted from being merely an aid organization to becoming a catalyst for resilience and sustainability. Our water filtration devices have grown into scalable, sustainable business models, enabling communities to address their challenges long-term.
What do you consider a recent success?
Mohammad: One of the greatest successes we’ve achieved in the past few years has been exceeding an impact of over 700,000 lives across Bangladesh through the diverse initiatives of Footsteps Bangladesh. This milestone isn’t merely about numbers; it represents a deep and meaningful transformation in the lives of individuals and communities. Our programs have addressed critical areas such as WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), climate action, public health, education, disaster response, green energy, and waste management. Each thematic area has been approached with a tailored strategy, ensuring that our interventions resonate with the unique needs of the communities we serve.
For instance, in the realm of climate action, we’ve focused on both immediate and long-term solutions that mitigate risks and foster resilience. Our public health programs have tackled pressing challenges by addressing preventative measures and enhancing accessibility to essential services. In education, we’ve championed initiatives that not only provide resources but empower youth to envision and create a better future. Collectively, these efforts have created a ripple effect, driving positive change across multiple dimensions of life.
Another cornerstone of our success has been fostering a model of self-reliance and resilience within communities. We’ve moved beyond the conventional approach of delivering aid, to empowering individuals and groups to take ownership of their futures.
What has challenged your work?
Mohammad: Challenges are inevitable in the pursuit of meaningful change, and our journey has been no exception. The remote and disaster-prone areas where we operate present unique obstacles —limited infrastructure, scarce resources, and the daunting task of creating long-term solutions in the face of constant uncertainty.
Yet, these challenges have been our greatest teachers. They’ve forced us to innovate and adapt, to look beyond traditional methods and embrace the power of community-led solutions. An example is our dreamwater portable filters. By empowering local women as leaders, entrepreneurs, and first responders, we’ve ensured that our solutions are deeply rooted in the fabric of the communities they serve.
What do you want to accomplish in the future?
Mohammad: The future holds a vision that is both bold and deeply rooted in the lessons of the past. Our dream is to expand our impact across all 64 districts of Bangladesh, ensuring that every community, no matter how remote, has access to clean water, economic opportunities, and the tools to face adversity with strength.
But our vision extends beyond borders. The models we’ve developed—grounded in community leadership, innovation, and resilience—have the potential to inspire change globally. We want to share what we’ve learned, collaborating with changemakers worldwide to tackle similar challenges.
What was your experience like taking part in the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards?
Mohammad: Attending the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards in the USA was an experience that will stay with me forever. Walking into that room filled with legends — individuals whose work has shaped the world — was surreal. Standing alongside icons like Shaquille O’Neal, Nile Rodgers, and Bryan Stevenson was humbling, but it was also deeply inspiring.
The ceremony was more than an event; it was a celebration of humanity’s potential for good. Every story shared that evening echoed themes of courage, resilience, and compassion. It reminded me why we do what we do and left me with a renewed sense of purpose.
What made it even more special was the spirit of Muhammad Ali that resonated throughout the event. His legacy—of standing up for what’s right, of giving back selflessly—was a powerful reminder that greatness isn’t measured by what we achieve, but by the impact we have on others. Being part of that legacy is an honour I will carry forward as a reminder that even the smallest actions when driven by passion, can create waves of change.
Our congratulations to Mohammad Taqi Yasir for the recent recognition his work has received.