The British Council celebrated Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC)’s 65 years of legacy

The British Council celebrated the 65-years legacy of the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) with a special event at the British Council Auditorium on Fuller Road, Dhaka, on 05 October 2024. The celebration featured an engaging lineup of activities, including panel discussions on the entrepreneurship, innovation, and job creation. Adding to the excitement, a theatre performance directed by Dr. Sudip Chakroborty, the first Commonwealth scholar from Bangladesh to study theatre was also showcased.

CSC has a 65-years legacy of creating significant impact in global academic and leadership areas. Since its beginning, CSC has been identifying and nurturing individuals with exceptional academic expertise and leadership potential from Commonwealth nations. The anniversary not only marks six decades of nurturing talent and educational advancement but also highlights CSC’s commitment to enhancing international collaboration and intellectual growth.

The panel discussion on Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Job Creation was thought-provoking. It focused on challenges and offered guidance to inspire the younger generation to take risks and pursue success as entrepreneurs. Five Commonwealth Alumni experts in entrepreneurship, innovation, and job creation who have significantly contributed to job creation across the country participated in the session. Their experiences and insights provided invaluable advice, helping to build the confidence of aspiring entrepreneurs.

During the discussion, M Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, PhD, Professor, Department of Finance, University of Dhaka, Executive Director, Center for Microfinance and Development, shared research findings on Access to Finance and Women’s Entrepreneurship in Bangladesh. Kohinoor Yeasmin, CEO, TARANGO; Rashed Suhrawardy, Co-Founder, Secretary General, Dementia Care Foundation Bangladesh; Founder and CEO, Probin Seba and Khondkar Siddique-e-Rabbani, Honorary Professor have shared their journey of being an entrepreneur. The panel discussion was moderated by Tanjilut Tasnuba, Senior Programme Officer, International Labour Organization Country Office, Bangladesh.

Dr. Sudip Chakroborty’s presentation of Selim Al Deen’s SwarnaBoal enchanted the audience, leaving participants mesmerised by the powerful theatre production.
Stephen Forbes, Country Director, British Council in Bangladesh, said in his concluding remarks, “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 to 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. And, we look forward to many more decades of support to learning, international exchange and partnership with the CSC.”

Toufiq Hasan, Head of Education, along with other officials were present in the event.

The Bangladesh Association of Commonwealth Scholars and Fellows (BACSAF) played a key role in organising the event, collaborating with the British Council to celebrate the 65-year legacy of the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC).