Autism Welfare Foundation

HALL OF FAME: 2025

Participation of AWF Students in JCI Art Exhibition

14 November 2025

Students of Autism Welfare Foundation (AWF) participated in Battle of the Brush 7.0, an inclusive art exhibition and competition organized by JCI Dhaka West for both neurotypical and neurodiverse children.

Location: Marriott Convention Center, Dhanmondi

Ms. Mariyam Monwar, Vice Principal of Kanon: School of AWF, along with all members of the AWF Art Committee, accompanied and supported the students throughout the event. We are delighted to share that all participating AWF students received crests and certificates in recognition of their creativity and efforts. AWF also received a Partner Institution Crest, graciously received by Md. Shahedul Islam, Program Coordinator of AWF, on behalf of the organization.
We were deeply honored by the presence of Abdullah Abu Sayeed as the Chief Guest for this year’s event. Moreover, we were privileged to have renowned artist, animator, and founder of Charuputhi, Md Ehsan-Ur-Roshid, as one of the honorable judges for Battle of the Brush 7.0. AWF extends heartfelt thanks to JCI Dhaka West for organizing such an inclusive platform and for recognizing the talents of our students.

Autism Welfare Foundation (AWF) proudly celebrates the outstanding achievement of Faraz Hasin Suhan, a dedicated student of AWF, who has successfully passed the 2025 H.S.C. Examination from the Business Management and Technology Department (First Semester) with an impressive GPA of 4.40.

This remarkable accomplishment is a testament to Suhan’s perseverance, hard work, and determination, as well as the continuous support and guidance provided by his family, teachers, and mentors at AWF. His success stands as an inspiring example for all individuals on the autism spectrum, demonstrating that with patience, opportunity, and care — every dream is achievable.

Autism Welfare Foundation extends its heartfelt congratulations, love, and best wishes to Suhan for this exceptional success.

Location: Department of Environment, Dhaka

We are immensely proud to share that Tanvir Mahtab Abid, a talented student of Autism Welfare Foundation (AWF), has achieved 2nd Place in the National Art Competition organized by the Department of Environment on the occasion of World Ozone Day 2025.

What makes this moment even more special is that the competition was open to both neurotypical and special needs students, showcasing true inclusivity. After the competition, Abid received his award from the honorable Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan (Forest, Environment and Climate). This remarkable achievement is a testament to Abid’s creativity, determination, and the spirit of our AWF students. We wish him more success in the future.

We are extremely proud to announce that two students from the Advanced Level Program (ALP) of Kanon: School of Autism Welfare Foundation (AWF) have successfully passed the SSC examinations of 2025 under the Bangladesh Technical Education Board (BTEB).

Sayed Nasuan Hossain Avro has achieved a GPA of 3.96, and Ashrar Billah Khan Rakin has secured a GPA of 4.14.

This is a moment of immense pride not only for their families but also for the entire AWF community. Their hard work, dedication, and perseverance have paved the way for this remarkable achievement. We wish them continued success in all their future endeavors.

Last Thursday (June 25, 2025), we visited the exam hall where Ongshu and Suhan were sitting for their HSC examination. It was a proud and emotional moment to witness them calmly and confidently participating in a national board examination alongside other students. Both Ongshu and Suhan are students of the Advanced Level Program (ALP) at Kanon: School of Autism Welfare Foundation (AWF).

Their presence in the exam hall is a powerful reflection of the years of consistent effort, care, and support provided by their families, teachers, therapists, and the entire AWF team—under the leadership and vision of Dr. Rownak Hafiz, Founder Chairperson and Chief Advisor of AWF. We have attached a commemorating photo of Suhan accepting a gift from Dr. Rownak Hafiz.

We wish Ongshu, Suhan, and all examinees the very best for the days ahead.

Special Art Exhibition at Safiuddin Shilpalay

20-23 June 2025

VENUE: Shilpaguru Safiuddin Ahmed Chattar, Safiuddin Shilpalay, House-21/A, (First Floor) Road: 04, Dhanmondi, Dhaka - 1205.

On the occasion of the 103rd birth anniversary of Master Artist Safiuddin Ahmed, a special art exhibition titled "Rang Rekha Barne Chande - Katbe Din Mangalaloke" featuring the artworks of twenty artists with special needs was inaugurated at Safiuddin Shilpalay gallery on June 20.
This special exhibition featured the artworks of four students of specialized school 'Kanon' run by Autism Welfare Foundation (AWF): Ibrahim Mohammad Azim, Sultana Esaba Nayer, Tanvir Anjum Abir, and Radif Ahsan Chowdhury Arian (alumni of Kanon).
The welcoming speech was delivered by artist Nahida Sharmin (Executive Director, Safiuddin Shilpalay(, Ar. Anika Tabassum (Vice Chairperson of Autism Welfare Foundation and Acting Principal of Kanon: School of AWF), and artist Khushi Kabir, Human Rights activist.

The exhibition was held from June 20 to 23, 2025. On the final day, Dr. Rownak Hafiz, Founder Chairperson and Chief Advisor of AWF, visited with two of Advanced Level Program (ALP) students, Isaba and Ibrahim, to see their displayed artworks.
Meanwhile, students from Adult Group Program (AGP) had the opportunity to visit the exhibition the day before, as part of their regular full-time outing program.

We are grateful that such spontaneous educational visits are possible thanks to the presence of a full-time microbus on campus, generously donated by AB Bank Ltd. Outing programs and art therapy are crucial for individuals on the Autism Spectrum (ASD), supporting their emotional well-being, confidence building, and social integration. We are immensely proud that our students’ artworks were selected and honored in such a prestigious platform.

The National Level Sports Competition for Children with Special Needs - 2025, organized by the Sports Directorate, Ministry of Youth and Sports, was held at the Shaheed Farhan Fayaz Playground.

We are extremely happy and proud to announce that ten students from the specialized school 'Kanon' run by Autism Welfare Foundation (AWF) participated in the aforementioned sports competition.

Kanon student Mahirah Binte Mahmud secured 2nd place in the Under-21 Group Basketball Competition.

Congratulations to our talented students!

We are very elated and proud!

Dr. Rownak Hafiz (Founder and Chairperson of Autism Welfare Foundation AWF and Principal of Kanon: School of AWF) was the very first recipient for the award for 'Successful Person working in the Field of Autism' on World Autism Awareness Day event held on April 2, 2017. Additionally, Adiba Ibnat Pashla and Radif Ahsan Chowdhury Arian, students of Kanon: School of AWF, also received awards for 'Successful Person having Autism'.
In 2019, Autism Welfare Foundation was also awarded 'Successful Organisation working in the Field of Autism' by the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.

This year, on April 2nd, 2024, Ms. Ashrafun Nahar (mother of Asrar Billah Khan Rakin, who is a student at Kanon) received the award for 'Successful Parent of a Child with Autism' on the occasion of 17th World Autism Awareness Day held at Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center. Moreover, Rakin had the privilege of being the sole presenter and host for the cultural program held in this very same event. Ar. Anika Tabassum (Director, AWF), Ms. Mariyam Monwar (Vice Principal, Kanon), Program Coordinator Mr. Shahedul Islam and other teachers were present during this occasion.

Congratulations and best wishes!!

We are very happy and proud to announce that the 2nd solo exhibition titled 'Fragile Coexistence' by Meghdoot Mihir Megh, a student of Kanon: School of Autism Welfare Foundation (AWF) and his father Harun-Ar-Rashid Tutul has been organized at the Netherlands Embassy in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

The exhibition shall run from March 10 to April 23, 2025. You all are cordially invited to visit the exhibition and show your support to Megh and his family.