The British Council marked 75 years of its presence in Bangladesh with a celebration at its Dhaka premises, highlighting its work in education, English language learning, arts and culture since opening its first office in the country in 1951.

The event also focused on the next generation of young people engaging with its programmes and partnerships.

The anniversary gathering brought together a select group of alumni, changemakers, leaders and partners whose work reflects the British Council’s longstanding role in education, creativity and international collaboration.

Duchess of Edinburgh Sophie Helen Rhys-Jones joined the celebration in recognition of the educational and cultural ties between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom.

During her visit, Her Royal Highness met young people involved in initiatives supporting women’s empowerment, green entrepreneurship and international education, hearing about their work and experiences.

In a special moment, The Duchess was presented with artwork by a young winner of the British Council’s Young Learner Art Competition, held in connection with the international Xu Bing Space Art Residency Competition 2026–27.

The competition encouraged young learners to explore the possibilities of art beyond Earth, imagining how creativity, science and space could come together to inspire a more connected and peaceful future.

Since establishing its presence in Bangladesh in 1951, the British Council has worked with individuals, institutions and communities to expand educational opportunities, strengthen English language learning and support cultural exchange.

Its programmes and partnerships have reached generations of students, educators, artists, entrepreneurs and leaders across the country.

The anniversary gathering highlighted three areas of the British Council’s work: empowering young people, supporting culture and creativity, and building partnerships for international collaboration. Participants and alumni connected to its green entrepreneurship initiatives, Women of the World (WOW), and international education and scholarship networks shared how these programmes have shaped their work and opened up opportunities for engagement beyond Bangladesh.

Stephen Forbes, Country Director of British Council Bangladesh, said: “For 75 years, the British Council has worked with people and institutions across Bangladesh to create opportunities through education, English and the arts. As the country’s needs and ambitions evolve, so must the ways we work. Our focus is on ensuring that young people have the skills, confidence and international connections to shape their own futures. We look forward to building on these relationships and creating new opportunities for collaboration between Bangladesh and the UK.”

Professor Dr A. B. M. Obaidul Islam, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dhaka, said: “The histories of our two institutions have been intertwined for generations. We are neighbours, certainly, but over the years we have become much more than neighbours. We have been partners in learning, dialogue, culture and international engagement. And our young people will face opportunities and challenges that previous generations could scarcely have imagined. They will require new skills, global perspectives, digital capabilities, creativity and resilience. Universities and organisations such as the British Council must continue to work together to ensure that future generations have access to the knowledge, networks and opportunities they need to succeed.”

The gathering forms part of the British Council’s activities marking its 75th anniversary in Bangladesh, recognising the people and partnerships that have shaped its work over the decades.

The British Council will continue its work in English, education, arts and culture, supporting opportunities for people in Bangladesh and the UK to learn from one another and build lasting connections.