The British Council marked the 65-year legacy of the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) with a vibrant celebration at the British Council Auditorium on Fuller Road on Saturday.
The event featured a dynamic mix of activities, including insightful panel discussions on entrepreneurship, innovation, and job creation, alongside a captivating theatre performance directed by Dr Sudip Chakroborty, the first Commonwealth scholar from Bangladesh to study theatre.
Since its inception, the CSC has played a pivotal role in fostering academic excellence and leadership across Commonwealth nations, nurturing over 1,800 scholars who have made significant contributions both in Bangladesh and globally.
This anniversary not only commemorates decades of educational advancement but also underscores CSC’s commitment to international collaboration and intellectual growth.
The panel discussion, focusing on Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Job Creation, was particularly engaging. Five esteemed Commonwealth Alumni shared their experiences and insights, aiming to inspire the younger generation to embrace entrepreneurship.
Among the speakers was M Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, PhD, a professor at the University of Dhaka, who presented research findings on women's entrepreneurship and access to finance in Bangladesh.
Moderated by Tanjilut Tasnuba, senior program officer at the International Labour Organization Country Office in Bangladesh, the discussion provided valuable guidance and encouragement to aspiring entrepreneurs.
Adding to the evening's allure, Dr Sudip Chakroborty’s presentation of Selim Al Deen’s SwarnaBoal captivated the audience, showcasing the power of theatre to inspire and entertain.
In his concluding remarks, Stephen Forbes, Country Director of the British Council in Bangladesh, said: “The 65th anniversary celebration of the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in Bangladesh is a landmark event. Over the past six decades, more than 1,800 Commonwealth scholars have completed their studies in the UK and gone on to make significant contributions to Bangladesh and the welfare of people around the world.
"The British Council is committed to strengthening the UK-Bangladesh connection through the internationalisation of study and providing opportunities for individuals to enhance and enrich their knowledge and experience. We look forward to many more decades of support to learning, international exchange, and partnership with the CSC,” he added.
The event was supported by the Bangladesh Association of Commonwealth Scholars and Fellows (BACSAF), which played a key role in organizing the celebration alongside the British Council.
