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Founder’s Story
Shahi Al Sadat: Transforming child protection globally
Fifteen-year-old Shahi Al Sadat is making waves on the global stage as a dedicated advocate for child and human rights. Born on March 22, 2009, he founded and leads The Startup IO, a child rights organization he established in 2021 before even turning 13. Through his leadership, the organization has launched several pioneering projects, including Kids Helplink, a legal guidance and awareness platform for teenagers; Startup Cyber, which promotes online safety for children; the Anti-Harassment Committee; GirlsTeenSafe, dedicated to the protection of women; and the internationally acclaimed Teen-X mobile application, designed to combat human trafficking and teenage sexual violence.
Over the last two years, Shahi Al Sadat’s help management system has contributed to the arrest of nine perpetrators involved in crimes against children. Additionally, through initiatives like Kids Helplink, Startup Cyber, GirlsTeenSafe, and Teen-X, The Startup IO has successfully handled over 300 cases, including those related to child marriage and serious violations of child rights.
Over the last two years, Shahi Al Sadat’s help management system has contributed to the arrest of nine perpetrators involved in crimes against children. Additionally, through initiatives like Kids Helplink, Startup Cyber, GirlsTeenSafe, and Teen-X, The Startup IO has successfully handled over 300 cases, including those related to child marriage and serious violations of child rights.
At present, The Startup IO operates in seven districts across Bangladesh, including Meherpur, Sylhet, Munshiganj, Rangpur, Dinajpur, Nilphamari, and Moulvibazar. Through both online and offline campaigns, the organization has educated and raised awareness among more than 100,000 teenagers about critical child rights issues.
Shahi Al Sadat’s contributions have earned him recognition on both national and international platforms. In 2024, he was nominated for the prestigious International Children’s Peace Prize and received the National Tech Award 2024 for his impactful work in digital safety and child rights advocacy. Additionally, he has been invited to speak at TEDx 2025 at Daffodil International University, where his message will reach an audience exceeding 45 million people worldwide.
His extraordinary efforts in championing children’s and women’s rights have also led to a significant academic opportunity—he has been awarded a fully funded scholarship from Rice University, Texas, USA, for the Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies program, set to begin in Fall 2027.
Shahi Al Sadat’s contributions have earned him recognition on both national and international platforms. In 2024, he was nominated for the prestigious International Children’s Peace Prize and received the National Tech Award 2024 for his impactful work in digital safety and child rights advocacy. Additionally, he has been invited to speak at TEDx 2025 at Daffodil International University, where his message will reach an audience exceeding 45 million people worldwide.
His extraordinary efforts in championing children’s and women’s rights have also led to a significant academic opportunity—he has been awarded a fully funded scholarship from Rice University, Texas, USA, for the Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies program, set to begin in Fall 2027.
Despite these outstanding accomplishments, one of the most inspiring aspects of his journey is that he has yet to complete his secondary education, as he is currently an SSC 2025 candidate. His dedication and vision continue to bring pride to Bangladesh, motivating a new generation of young activists.
At present, The Startup IO operates in seven districts across Bangladesh, including Meherpur, Sylhet, Munshiganj, Rangpur, Dinajpur, Nilphamari, and Moulvibazar. Through both online and offline campaigns, the organization has educated and raised awareness among more than 100,000 teenagers about critical child rights issues.
Shahi Al Sadat’s contributions have earned him recognition on both national and international platforms. In 2024, he was nominated for the prestigious International Children’s Peace Prize and received the National Tech Award 2024 for his impactful work in digital safety and child rights advocacy. Additionally, he has been invited to speak at TEDx 2025 at Daffodil International University, where his message will reach an audience exceeding 45 million people worldwide.
At present, The Startup IO operates in seven districts across Bangladesh, including Meherpur, Sylhet, Munshiganj, Rangpur, Dinajpur, Nilphamari, and Moulvibazar. Through both online and offline campaigns, the organization has educated and raised awareness among more than 100,000 teenagers about critical child rights issues.
Shahi Al Sadat’s contributions have earned him recognition on both national and international platforms. In 2024, he was nominated for the prestigious International Children’s Peace Prize and received the National Tech Award 2024 for his impactful work in digital safety and child rights advocacy. Additionally, he has been invited to speak at TEDx 2025 at Daffodil International University, where his message will reach an audience exceeding 45 million people worldwide.
His extraordinary efforts in championing children’s and women’s rights have also led to a significant academic opportunity—he has been awarded a fully funded scholarship from Rice University, Texas, USA, for the Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies program, set to begin in Fall 2027.
Despite these outstanding accomplishments, one of the most inspiring aspects of his journey is that he has yet to complete his secondary education, as he is currently an SSC 2025 candidate. His dedication and vision continue to bring pride to Bangladesh, motivating a new generation of young activists. Shahi Al Sadat has always expressed deep appreciation for the support he has received from the District Police, the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, and all his well-wishers.
However, above all, he credits his father, Md Shafikul Islam, as the foundation of his success, attributing every milestone—past, present, and future—to his father’s unwavering encouragement and guidance.
Despite these outstanding accomplishments, one of the most inspiring aspects of his journey is that he has yet to complete his secondary education, as he is currently an SSC 2025 candidate. His dedication and vision continue to bring pride to Bangladesh, motivating a new generation of young activists. Shahi Al Sadat has always expressed deep appreciation for the support he has received from the District Police, the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, and all his well-wishers.
However, above all, he credits his father, Md Shafikul Islam, as the foundation of his success, attributing every milestone—past, present, and future—to his father’s unwavering encouragement and guidance.
Alongside his father, Sadat holds immense admiration for his closest and most trusted friend, Maisha Maliha. He acknowledges that her constant support has played an instrumental role in his journey.
“When everyone else turned away, Maliha stood beside me. I will always be grateful to her. I hope our friendship remains unshaken for a lifetime.”
Beyond his existing initiatives, The Startup IO is now developing an innovative AI-powered application, FreeMind App, designed to support students’ mental well-being and reduce the risk of mental health disorders. The team is committed to launching the app on the Google Play Store on August 12, 2025.
Expressing his unwavering dedication to his homeland, he stated: “I am determined to raise Bangladesh’s name and flag on the global stage. My mission is to eliminate child trafficking and teenage rape from this nation.”
With his relentless efforts and vision, Shahi Al Sadat is not just a source of pride for Bangladesh but an inspiring figure for the entire world.
“When everyone else turned away, Maliha stood beside me. I will always be grateful to her. I hope our friendship remains unshaken for a lifetime.”
Beyond his existing initiatives, The Startup IO is now developing an innovative AI-powered application, FreeMind App, designed to support students’ mental well-being and reduce the risk of mental health disorders. The team is committed to launching the app on the Google Play Store on August 12, 2025.
Expressing his unwavering dedication to his homeland, he stated: “I am determined to raise Bangladesh’s name and flag on the global stage. My mission is to eliminate child trafficking and teenage rape from this nation.”
With his relentless efforts and vision, Shahi Al Sadat is not just a source of pride for Bangladesh but an inspiring figure for the entire world.
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