UK scholarships help deepen Bangladesh ties: Cooke

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke has said UK government-funded scholarships underscore the depth of the UK–Bangladesh partnership, as the British High Commission in Dhaka welcomed home Chevening and Commonwealth scholars.

“Our scholars have studied at world-class universities in the UK, and we look forward to the positive contributions they will make to Bangladesh in the years ahead,” she said.

Cooke made the remarks on Monday evening while the British High Commission Dhaka hosted a reception for Bangladeshi Chevening and Commonwealth scholars who recently completed their postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom, according to a press release issued on Tuesday.

Congratulating the graduates, she said UK government-funded scholarship programmes reflect the strong partnership between the two countries, rooted in shared values and mutual respect.

Held at the High Commissioner’s residence, the event brought together returning scholars, representatives of the British Council, the Bangladesh Association of Commonwealth Scholars and Fellows, and the Chevening Alumni Association of Bangladesh.

British Council Bangladesh Country Director Stephen Forbes said the scholars’ academic achievements and commitment to learning highlighted their potential to drive meaningful change in Bangladesh, adding that continued engagement with the Commonwealth and Chevening networks would help them tackle future challenges.

A total of 40 Commonwealth and 22 Chevening graduates, along with distinguished alumni, were honoured at the reception.

The Chevening Scholarship is the UK government’s international scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, which offers fully funded opportunities for emerging leaders to pursue postgraduate study in the UK.

The Commonwealth Scholarship is a fully funded award that enables students from Commonwealth countries to undertake postgraduate studies at master’s or PhD level in the United Kingdom.