Sixty-five Bangladeshi students have been honoured with 'Top in the World' awards at the Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards (OCLA) 2024, a prestigious event co-hosted by the British Council and Cambridge International Education on Saturday at the Radisson Blu in Dhaka.

The students were recognised for exceptional achievements in the June 2024 Cambridge examination series.

A total of 98 Bangladeshi students received 121 awards at the 2024 OCLA.

These global accolades celebrate the highest achievers in Cambridge International exams, with over a million students worldwide taking part in Cambridge's internationally recognised courses each year.

Cambridge International Education has been providing global examinations for more than 160 years.

The awards recognise achievement in four categories: Top in the World, High Achievement, Top in Country, and Best Across.

Among the 121 awards presented, sixty-five Bangladeshi students were recognised with the prestigious 'Top in the World' awards, given to those who have achieved the highest marks worldwide for a particular subject.

Of these winners, 98 students received this accolade across Cambridge O Level, Cambridge International AS & A Level, and Cambridge IGCSE subjects.

The ceremony was inaugurated by Shahin Reza, Country Manager for Cambridge International Education in Bangladesh, who delivered the welcome address. He said, "Cambridge International is the fastest growing international awarding body in Bangladesh, and with the growth of schools and the number of students, the number of Top in the World awards have increased significantly in Bangladesh this year, which is also the testament to the hard work of students, teachers and parents".

The event was graced by the chief guest, Prof Dr S.M.A. Faiz, Chairman of the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh, and James Goldman, Acting British High Commissioner to Bangladesh. Rod Smith, Group Managing Director of International Education at Cambridge, delivered a video message at the event.

In his speech, Dr S.M.A. Faiz commended the students for their brilliant results, especially the 65 Bangladeshi students who achieved Top in the World in the June 2024 Cambridge International exams.

James Goldman, Charge d’Affaires to the British High Commission Bangladesh, said, ‘My heartfelt congratulations to the Bangladeshi awardees, who have excelled in the Cambridge International Exam. The UK and Bangladesh share a long-standing partnership cemented by our diaspora, education, trade, and cultural ties. The students' remarkable accomplishments in this UK examination will hopefully open new doors as they work to achieve their goals and make meaningful contributions to their communities.'

Maxim Raimann, Exams Director at the British Council in Bangladesh, said, 'At the British Council, we are committed to facilitating access to UK exams and qualifications, providing teacher training, and sharing best practices in school leadership. Our innovative solutions empower candidates to achieve their full potential. We are pleased to see so many students from Bangladesh have performed exceptionally across various categories in the Cambridge International exams. We are proud to collaborate with Cambridge International Education in delivering the exams and hosting this event to celebrate their tremendous success.'

Some participants also shared their inspiring journeys at the event.

The event also featured a captivating cultural performance by S.F.X. Greenherald International School students.