James Goldman, the British Deputy High Commissioner and British Development Director in Bangladesh, said on Friday that the British government is eager to invest further in the education of young people in Bangladesh.
He made the remarks at the opening of the Second IHSB Inter-School Business Carnival, which is being held at the International Hope School Bangladesh (IHSB) in Uttara, Dhaka, from November 15 to 17.
The carnival, organised by the IHSB Business Club and supported by OkoTex, promotes business and entrepreneurship among students.
Goldman said, "The British government is investing in education in Bangladesh. Yesterday, I visited a school for underprivileged children funded by the British government. Today, I am here at the IHSB Business Carnival, and we are keen to invest further in the education of young people. It’s great to see Sterling Education here. Partnerships like this between the UK and Bangladesh add value and foster collaboration."
The event features over 600 students from 50 prominent schools in Dhaka. Timothy Donald Fisher, CEO of Sterling Education, who also attended the event, emphasised Sterling Education’s commitment to supporting education in Bangladesh and creating opportunities for teachers and students. He added that IHSB’s initiatives, such as the Business Carnival, Bangla Olympiad, and STEM Fest, aim to develop entrepreneurial and self-reliant students who contribute to the nation’s growth.
The carnival includes three competitions: "Friedman’s Fallacy," where students address economic issues; "Pitch Perfect," where they present business plans; and "Marketing Mania," which tests business skills. Biman Bangladesh Airlines will reward the best business idea with a special gift.
In addition to the student competitions, there will be an exhibition and fair featuring products from 20 top business groups. The fair, open to the public from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM on Friday and Saturday, will offer business advice and showcase student-run stalls with food and other items.
The closing ceremony on November 17 will feature a welcome address by the school principal, Roksana Zarin, and speeches from special guests, including Dilruba Tonu, Managing Director of Hi-Tech Park, and Golam Samdani Don, a corporate entrepreneur and trainer.
The event will end with a cultural performance by the band Shunno.