The British Council has organised the prestigious ‘British Council Scholars Award’ yesterday, 12 November 2024, at Radisson Blu Water Garden in Dhaka.
The Scholars’ Award celebrated and honoured the outstanding achievement of 36 students who achieved exemplary results in their May/June 2024 Cambridge International and Pearson Edexcel Qualifications (O Levels/IGCSE/International GCSE) conducted by the British Council for UK Exam Boards.
The students recognised at this prestigious event have achieved exceptional results across a wide range of subjects. Their accomplishments put them into a cohort of the highest achievers nationally, reflecting their extraordinary dedication and the unwavering commitment of the Partner Schools to academic excellence.
Stephen Forbes, Country Director Bangladesh, British Council, inaugurated the event with his welcome speech. He said, ‘Congratulations to all the brilliant students who have demonstrated remarkable dedication and commitment to their studies, achieving exemplary results in the examinations. The qualifications you earned through UK Exams Boards equip you with globally recognised education and assessment standards, opening doors to a brighter future. I wish you all the success and fulfilment in your future endeavours as you strive for excellence and fulfil your dreams.’
The prestigious event has also brought together 150 school leaders from 189 Partner Schools, creating a valuable opportunity to connect, explore, and share experiences. The school leaders and the British Council discussed ways to enhance the British curriculum across Bangladesh.
The welcome speech was followed by a presentation by Maxim Raimann, Exams Director Bangladesh, British Council. He added, ‘The Scholars’ Award recognises and celebrates the highest achievers, motivating them to pursue excellence and inspiring their peers to reach similar heights. This event acknowledges individual hard work while fostering a culture of collaborative effort and academic achievement. Additionally, it reinforces the British Council’s commitment to supporting and empowering the next generation of educational leaders. We wish the very best to our students, parents, and teachers and look forward to continuing this valuable partnership.’
Talal Meer, Regional Business Development Director for English and Exams in South Asia at the British Council, also addressed the event, discussing the British Council’s collaboration with Partner Schools in delivering examinations that unlock future opportunities and pave the way for students’ brighter futures.
Following the speeches, the outstanding achievers were presented with crests and certificates. The British Council also announced that the awarded students would receive sponsorship from the British Council for the one subject of their choice in the first sitting of the AS (Advanced Subsidiary) exam when they take it with them. One of the award winners, Fariha Tasnim form Manarat Dhaka International School and College said, ‘It is wonderful to be a part of such a grand ceremony where the talent of so many young minds is awarded. I am thankful to Almighty for the blessings, my teachers for their dedication, my peers for inspiration and my family for encouraging me through numerous ups and downs. I’m grateful that the British Council has recognised such remarkable achievements of the rising stars of the future and given them a platform to shine. I’m overjoyed to learn that my hard work has been highlighted and paid off.’
After the award ceremony, renowned young musician Masha Islam delivered an exceptional musical performance that captivated everyone in the hall. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks from Sarwat Reza, Director of Business Development at the British Council, Bangladesh.
Officials from Pearson Edexcel attended the British Council Scholars’ Award ceremony, including Abdullah Al Manun Bin Quddus, Regional Development Manager, Bangladesh & Nepal, and Jannatul Ferdous Sigma, Regional Development Manager, Bangladesh. Shahin Reza, Country Manager, Bangladesh, Cambridge International, school leaders, students, and family members were also present.
