The Bangladeshi expatriate community and the academic world are in mourning following the untimely passing of Mohammad Safwan Zahid, a 25-year-old visionary scholar and entrepreneur. Safwan was discovered deceased in his apartment in Canada on 2 February 2026. He was the only son of Dr Zahid Hossain, Deputy Managing Director and Chief Business Officer of Mercantile Bank PLC, and Kanita Rahman.
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An Exceptional Academic and Professional Journey
Safwan was a figure of immense promise, nearing the completion of a prestigious dual-degree programme at the University of Toronto. He was in the final term of a combined Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Arts (MA), a feat reserved for the university’s most academically rigorous students.
His contributions to the Canadian tech and policy landscape were already significant. Recognised for his intellectual depth, Safwan was selected as a Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) Scholar. Furthermore, he was the founder of MATRA, a Toronto-based Artificial Intelligence (AI) start-up. His expertise in the field led to his appointment as an advisor to the Canadian government on ‘Safe AI’ policy through the Schwartz Reisman Institute.
Tributes and Community Grief
The Deans of the University of Toronto expressed profound sorrow, describing Safwan as an “exceptionally gifted” student whose absence leaves a void in the academic community. A funeral service, organised with the university’s assistance, was held last Friday at 12:30 pm following Jummah prayers at the Baitul Aman Mosque. The service saw a massive outpouring of support from the local Bangladeshi diaspora.
Runa Laila, a banker and former colleague of Safwan’s father, shared her heartbreak: “Watching such a brilliant young man grow up only to see his life cut short is an unbearable tragedy. He had so much more to give to the world.”
Profile of a Rising Star: Mohammad Safwan Zahid
| Category | Details |
| Academic Institution | University of Toronto |
| Programmes | Dual MBA and MA (Final Term) |
| Key Appointments | Advisor, Safe AI Policy (Canadian Govt) |
| Entrepreneurship | Founder, MATRA (AI Start-up) |
| Honours | Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) Scholar |
| Age at Passing | 25 Years |
A Growing Concern for International Students
Safwan’s passing has reignited a somber conversation regarding the welfare of international students. Reports indicate that over the past decade, at least 25 Bangladeshi students have died prematurely while studying in Canada. These incidents, ranging from health crises to accidents, have sparked calls for better support systems and mental health resources for the young scholars who travel abroad to represent their nation.
Safwan Zahid will be remembered not only as a brilliant student but as a pioneer who, even at 25, was helping shape the future of ethical technology on a global scale.