Photo: Collected

DHAKA, Sept 2, 2026 (BSS) – British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke today said Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships reflect the strong UK-Bangladesh partnership and the two countries’ shared commitment to education, leadership and opportunity.

“These scholarships reflect the strong partnership between the UK and Bangladesh and our shared commitment to education, leadership and opportunity,” she said.

Cooke made the remarks as the British High Commission Dhaka hosted a pre-departure reception for this year’s Bangladeshi Chevening and Commonwealth scholars preparing to pursue postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom, according to a press release issued by the British High Commission here. 

Congratulating the scholars, the British envoy said they were about to begin an “exciting new chapter” in the UK.

“I look forward to seeing the positive impact you will make in your communities and professions,” she said.
Held at the British High Commissioner’s Residence, the reception brought together the departing scholars, distinguished alumni, representatives of the Bangladesh Association of Commonwealth Scholars and Fellows and the Chevening Alumni Association of Bangladesh, as well as partners supporting UK scholarships.

The event provided the scholars with an opportunity to connect with alumni and fellow award recipients ahead of their academic journeys in the UK.

Under the UK government-funded Chevening and Commonwealth scholarship programmes, the scholars will pursue postgraduate studies at UK universities and become part of global networks of future leaders, innovators and changemakers.

This year also marks a milestone for the Chevening programme in Bangladesh as HSBC has joined as a Chevening partner for the first time and is sponsoring one Bangladeshi scholar.

Chevening is the UK government’s international scholarship programme, funded by the  Foreign,  Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations.

The Commonwealth Scholarship programme funded by the UK government through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, supports postgraduate study and sustainable development across the Commonwealth.