Bangladeshi Architect Tasbir Shatil Wins Cardiff University's '30(ish) Award'

Bangladeshi architect and urban designer Jinnurain Tasbir Shatil has won Cardiff University's prestigious '30(ish) Awards 2026' in the United Kingdom. He received the honour in the 'Environmental Activist' category in recognition of his contribution to environmentally friendly urban design, sustainable urban development, and social and environmental change.

The award recognises Cardiff University alumni who are contributing to positive change in the world through professional success, innovation, research and social work. In this fifth edition, 200 alumni from different countries were initially nominated. Tasbir Shatil is one of the 20 finally selected from them.

Tasbir Shatil, who began his professional life in Bangladesh, now works internationally. He received the honour in recognition of his long work in architecture, urban design, landscape architecture and environmentally friendly urban development.

His professional life began at the Bangladeshi architecture and urban design firm Bhitti Sthapatibrinda Limited. During his long time there, he worked on architecture, planning and design of urban spaces, and the creative transformation of open spaces. He was involved in that work with the aim of bringing positive change to people's daily lives, social engagement and the environment.

He later moved to the United Kingdom for higher education. He earned a master's degree with distinction in International Planning and Urban Design from Cardiff University. He also achieved the highest overall academic result in his academic year.

In his professional life in the UK, Tasbir has worked on several important urban development and design projects. Several architecture, urban design and public-space development projects in Bangladesh implemented with his direct participation have also received international awards and recognition.

Tasbir Shatil currently works as an urban designer in the architecture and cities division of the Cities Studio at the London global headquarters of Mott MacDonald, a UK-based international development consultancy. There he contributes to sustainable, inclusive and human-centred urban development projects in the UK and other countries.

Describing his feelings on receiving the award, Tasbir Shatil said: 'This recognition is not just an award to me; it is an important milestone in a long professional journey that began in Bangladesh. The country changed, the work environment changed, but my goal did not. I have always believed that through architecture and urban design it is possible to make people's lives more beautiful, liveable and sustainable.'

He added: 'After the coronavirus pandemic, leaving behind the professional life and family I had built in Bangladesh and starting anew in the UK was not easy. Despite many uncertainties and challenges, I did not move away from my goal. This honour recognises that long effort and consistency.'

Tasbir Shatil believes that in this time of climate change, rapid urbanisation and environmental challenges, urban development and design must prioritise humanity, environmental responsibility and long-term sustainable development.