Acting High Commissioner of Australia to Bangladesh Nardia Simpson has said the strong ties and connections between the two nations are deeply rooted in a shared commitment to education.

She said they greatly appreciate the Bangladesh government’s forward-thinking decision to welcome international education.

“And it is wonderful to witness the process accelerate through a commendable organization like Universal College Bangladesh. Congratulations to the graduates, I am confident that they will ensure a brighter future for Bangladesh and strengthen the partnership between Bangladesh and Australia,” the Australian envoy said while celebrating Monash College Graduation Convocation 2024 in Dhaka.

Universal College Bangladesh (UCB), the exclusive partner to Monash College in Bangladesh, celebrated the Monash College Graduation Convocation 2024, on Saturday evening, according to a press release.

A total 103 students pursuing different programmes offered by Monash College, namely, Monash University Foundation Year and Monash College Diploma (Business, Information Technology and Engineering), graduated on this day.

This is the 3rd batch graduating from Monash University Foundation Year and Monash College Diploma through Universal College Bangladesh (UCB).

At the graduation event, Manas Singh, CEO, of STS Group, and Zarif Munir, Director, UCB, as well as students, parents, teachers, and other esteemed guests were present.

The event began with a welcome note from Prof. Hew Gill, President and Provost at UCB, followed by a board commendation speech by Zarif Munir, Director and Member of the Board of UCB.

The event moved forward with an occasional address by Matthew Carter, Executive Director of Education, Monash College Australia.

The graduating students were presented by Prof. Md Ismail Hossain, Dean of Academic Affairs at UCB who completed his doctorate at Monash University Australia. 

All the students were awarded Monash University Foundation Year and Monash College Diploma certificates at the Convocation. Seven students received awards for outstanding academic performance, including one student who achieved world topping scores in two IT exams.

A total of 20 Students were also recognized for their community contributions, including serving as members of the UCB Student Council, and involvement in charity projects for the needy.

Zarif Munir, Director, UCB, said, “Witnessing the graduation of these talented students fills me with immense pride. Through our partnership with Monash College at Universal College Bangladesh, we are providing the youth of Bangladesh with a world-class educational pathway to unlock their full potential and shape a brighter future for themselves and the nation”.

“Our Monash programs offer a guaranteed pathway to a world top 40 university for every student who passes, and all our students pass. I am honored to have played a role in our students’ academic journey”, said Professor Hew Gill, President and Provost, UCB.

UCB, the country's first Ministry of Education-approved international education provider, recognises the growing need for quality education and its impact on building a highly skilled workforce for the future of Bangladesh.