British High Commissioner Designate to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Feb 3, 2026 (BSS) - British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke has said UK government-funded scholarships reflect the strong UK-Bangladesh partnership, as the British High Commission welcomed returning Chevening and Commonwealth scholars in Dhaka.

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

The envoy made the comment while the British High Commission Dhaka hosted the reception on Monday evening for Bangladeshi Chevening and Commonwealth Scholars who recently completed their postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom, said a high commission's press release here today. 

Congratulating the scholars, Sarah Cooke said, "UK government funded scholarship programmes reflect the strong partnership between the UK and Bangladesh, grounded in shared values and mutual respect. 

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

Stephen Forbes, Country Director of British Council Bangladesh, said the scholars' academic success and commitment to learning demonstrated their potential to drive meaningful progress in Bangladesh, adding that continued engagement with the Commonwealth and Chevening networks would help them address future challenges.

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

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

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