Born July 22, 2009, in Cumilla City, Bangladesh, Suhana Rahman Sukonna has emerged as one of the youngest and most influential voices in Bangladesh’s school-based mental health movement. Daughter of Muhammad Shoebur Rahman, a government officer, and Khaleda Sultana Munni, a devoted homemaker, Suhana’s upbringing in a family rooted in public service profoundly influenced her passion for humanitarian causes.
At just 15, Suhana leads the Children’s Sector of Talk Hope, a nationwide mental health initiative run under SHADOW and backed by Rotary International. Through her coordination, Talk Hope has reached over 800 educational institutions, directly impacting the emotional well-being of more than 150,000 students with mental health awareness sessions, resilience training, and emotional first aid in classrooms.
Her sessions focus on emotional expression, conflict resolution, safe space creation, and removing stigma around depression and anxiety, especially in rural and underprivileged communities where such interventions are rare.
Suhana is also the founder of the Interact Club of Dhaka and has been actively working with Rotary International since an early age. Her leadership has earned her several accolades and features from Rotary platforms globally.
Dr. Muhammad Fakhrul Islam Babu, founder and president of Asian Club Limited and founder and Secretary General of China Bangladesh Friendship Center-CBFC, said: “Suhana embodies the spirit of global youth leadership. Her compassion, intellect, and determination are extraordinary. Her work reflects not just hope, but action.”
She is mentored and guided by Md Saddam Hossain Roni, Founder of SHADOW & Talk Hope, who was also her Interact adviser. Md Saddam Hossain Roni, Rotary Leader and social activist, shared:
“I’ve watched Suhana grow from a curious Interact member to a powerful advocate. She’s disciplined, compassionate, and mature beyond her years. She leads with heart and vision.”
Didarul Alam, Coordinator of the World Human Rights Forum, added:
“Children’s mental health is a global concern, and Suhana is offering a local solution with global potential. She’s creating ripples of change across communities.”
Kanan Faysal, Co-founder of Talk Hope, remarked: “Suhana’s leadership in the Children’s Sector has been a game changer for us. Her work is helping us reshape the conversation around youth mental health in schools.”
A summary of Suhana’s Achievements: Chief Children Coordinator of Talk Hope, leading school-based mental health sessions.
Founder of the Interact Club of Dhaka, part of Rotary’s global youth network.
It has reached over eight hundred schools and has 1 lac 50 thousand plus students with emotional support content.
Received multiple awards and recognitions nationally and internationally.Featured by Rotary International for her exemplary youth service. Advocate for inclusive mental health and early psychological intervention in schools.
As Suhana continues her mission, she represents a new generation of empathetic leaders rooted in service, resilience, and a vision for emotionally empowered communities.