British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Robert Chatterton Dickson has said Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships welcome exceptional people from across the world to study, grow, and thrive at some of the world's best universities. A scholarship can be a transformative experience, not just for the scholars, but for their communities and countries as they return and use the benefits of their UK experience to make a positive difference in their chosen field, he said. "Our alumni network is full of dynamic influencers, well-equipped to make a difference professionally and socially. They are a vital part of the vibrant people-to-people links between Bangladesh and the UK," said Dickson while speaking at a reception on Thursday. Read more: Applications invited for Chevening scholarships The British High Commission hosted the reception for Bangladeshi scholars who were awarded the UK Government's prestigious Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships. Dickson congratulated the scholars on completing their masters degrees and welcomed them into the greater UK Chevening and Commonwealth alumni family. British Council Bangladesh Director Tom Miscioscia said there are currently 129 Bangladeshi students studying on a Commonwealth Scholarship. Since the first one was awarded in 1960, 1,812 Bangladeshi students have held these scholarships or fellowships funded by the UK government through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK. The Commonwealth alumni work across a range of sectors and fields and "bring about development" impact at a local and international level. "I also encourage all returnee scholars to join the British Council's new global platform for UK alumni 'Alumni UK', which is an online alumni platform providing networking opportunities, resources to support professional development and access to events," said Miscioscia. Read more: UK ready to send independent observers to Bangladesh national polls: Envoy Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships are awarded to individuals from all backgrounds who can demonstrate that they have the commitment and skills required to create positive change. These UK scholarships are a recognised platform bringing together some of the brightest minds to realise their educational aspirations while gaining access to a range of professional and cultural experiences. Chevening scholarships are the UK Government's global scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, partner organisations, and partner universities. The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK awards scholarships and fellowships for postgraduate study and professional development to Commonwealth citizens each year, with Bangladesh being one of the priority countries.  

British High Commission in Dhaka has hosted a reception to celebrate the England men’s cricket team’s visit to Bangladesh and the upcoming ODI and T20I cricket series between England and Bangladesh. Players from both Bangladesh and England cricket teams, along with technical and coaching staff attended the reception. British Deputy High Commissioner Javed Patel welcomed guests. He said, “I am delighted to see the England cricket team, as reigning ODI and T20I world champions, visiting Bangladesh in 2023 for what I know will be an exciting series."    

British High Commission in Dhaka has activated solar panels in its office in an attempt to move to renewable energy and reduce carbon emissions. In partnership with SOLshare, a climate tech company, the High Commission has installed a 15.93 kilowatt per hour grid-tied rooftop solar project for its office. In other words, the High Commission on Sunday said, solar power will be offset against the High Commission’s electricity consumption from the grid. The solar panels will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by the High Commission by approximately 320 tonnes over its expected life of 30 years, and will produce approximately 18,000 kilowatt hours of electricity every year. read more: Bangladesh, Cyprus keen to expand cooperation on public safety British High Commissioner Robert Chatterton Dickson, who inaugurated the solar panels, said he is delighted to see that they are moving to green, renewable energy at the High Commission. He said electricity produced through renewable sources such as solar is critical to reducing their dependence on electricity produced by the burning of fossil fuels, which drives climate change. “The energy crisis and the global situation since the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) hosted under the UK Presidency in November 2021 demonstrates that the rapid acceleration of renewable energy is not only essential to protecting the planet, but critical to the security of energy supply,” said the High Commission. Dr Sebastian Groh, Managing Director of SOLshare Limited, said, “We applaud the entire team of the British High Commission for taking this initiative.” Groh said it is important to walk the talk and it is good timing during COP27 to set an example for all other missions. “And this is just the beginning; we look forward to having further potential opportunities to support the British High Commission in their sustainability journey.” The green energy transition will help to meet bold climate commitments by accelerating transition to more affordable, reliable, and accessible energy that spurs growth, and reduces carbon emissions. Rooftop solar panels have been proven as one of the most effective renewable energy solutions for Bangladesh to meet its desired energy target and alleviate the present energy crisis. The British High Commission Dhaka said they are proud to be part of this change by contributing solar energy from its office rooftop.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II by placing wreath in front of her portrait at the British High Commission here. The premier signed the condolence book that opened at the British High Commission following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on 8 September. Read: PM felicitates UK’s new king, looks forward to excellent friendship PM's Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Jahid Tusher told reporters that after placing the wreath the PM stood in silence for sometime to show respect to the late Queen. After offering condolence Hasina reminisced her pleasant memories with the Queen. Earlier, on her arrival at the mission in Baridhara she was received by British High Commissioner Robert Chatterton Dickson. Read: PM likely to attend Queen’s state funeral The high commissioner expressed gratitude to the prime minister for visiting the mission to show respect to the Queen. This is the first time that any prime minister of the country visited the British High Commission in Dhaka. Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary Ahmad Kaikaus and Military secretary Major General Kabir Ahammad accompanied the prime minister.

British High Commission in Dhaka has opened a condolence book for Queen Elizabeth II at the British High Commissioner’s residence. The condolence book will remain open from 10am to 4pm this week (Sunday to Thursday) An online book is also available www.royal.uk, said the High Commission. World leaders and dignitaries have been paying tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, who died at the age of 96.   Read: British High Commission marks Commonwealth Day They have honoured her deep sense of duty and her resilience, as well as the Queen's sense of humour and kindness.

Bangladesh and the United Kingdom have agreed on the importance of "free and fair elections" and vibrant civil society to promote accountable governance and institutions ensuring freedom of expression and religion. The UK raised concerns reflected in the FCDO Annual Human Rights Report, including the “impact” of the Digital Security Act, political space, and extrajudicial killings, said the British High Commission in Dhaka on Friday. The two countries held their fourth annual Strategic Dialogue on Thursday at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in London and discussed the issues. The dialogue was led by FCDO Permanent Under-Secretary Sir Philip Barton and Foreign Secretary (Senior Secretary) Masud Bin Momen. Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, FCDO Minister of State for South Asia and the Commonwealth, welcomed Ambassador Momen to the UK. Lord Ahmad said they spoke about the strong links between the UK and Bangladesh. "We’re both committed to tackling climate change and looking for future opportunities to strengthen trade between our countries," he said. The UK commended Bangladesh for hosting the Rohingyas who, in August 2017, fled atrocities by the Myanmar military. The UK and Bangladesh reiterated their commitment to the goal of enabling the Rohingya to return home in a safe, voluntary and dignified way as soon as the situation allows.  The UK stressed the need to focus on the Rohingyas’ wellbeing, and noted that access to education and livelihoods would help prepare the Rohingya for eventual return to Myanmar and to live dignified lives while in Bangladesh. Both countries committed to working with the international community, including Asean and the UN, to resolve the crisis. The two countries expressed their deepest condolences to those who had lost loved ones during the pandemic. The UK congratulated Bangladesh on its nationwide vaccination campaign including through COVAX vaccines.   Read: Indo-Pacific: UK sees Bangladesh as "critical stability provider"

Projects to tackle climate change and protect the world’s oceans have been given a major boost with the first £16.2 million of funding from the UK’s £500 million Blue Planet Fund. In Bangladesh, the Ocean Country Partnership Programme (OCPP) will support aquatic food production and trade, said the British High Commission in Dhaka. It put in place the systems and ability to reduce the harmful impacts of aquatic food production, control common diseases of fish and seafood, and increase production.  Read:UK becomes Dialogue Partner of ASEAN This in turn will also support progress towards several UN Sustainable Development Goals on poverty alleviation, zero hunger and good health and well-being, said the High Commission. The new programme builds on an existing strong cooperation between the UK’s Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, WorldFish, and the Bangladesh Government’s Department of Fisheries. The programmes, financed from the UK’s overseas aid budget, will increase marine protection, tackle plastic pollution and the decline of global coral reefs, as well as using the UK’s world-leading expertise to help respond to marine pollution disasters such as the Xpress Pearl in Sri Lanka. The ocean is a critical carbon sink which every year absorbs almost a third of global CO2 emissions. Read:12 erstwhile UK-based expats recognised as Freedom Fighters Around the globe, the ocean supports the livelihoods of one in every ten people, including some of the poorest and most vulnerable. In the run up to the UK hosting the COP26 climate talks in November, the government is working with developing countries to take action to protect and restore our oceans. The projects receiving funding include the launch of a new UK-led programme which will help developing countries partner with the UK’s world-leading scientists to better manage marine protected areas, and improve our understanding of the impacts of climate change and contaminants in the ocean. The Ocean Country Partnership Programme (OCPP) already has work underway with UK scientists at the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) providing analysis of water samples from Sri Lanka to contribute to the ongoing response to the Xpress Pearl environmental disaster in June. Read: Dhaka conveys protests to UK over human rights report British Environment Secretary, George Eustice, said the UK is a global leader in marine protection and will continue to advocate for ambitious climate and ocean action at COP26 this year. “Our shared ocean is a vital resource and provides habitat to precious marine life, as well as supporting the livelihoods of one in every ten people worldwide. “The Blue Planet Fund will support many developing countries on the front line of climate change to reduce poverty and improve the health of their seas.”

The United Kingdom has said they look forward to strengthening bonds of kinship and culture during the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh's independence.

The UK on Tuesday said it will continue advocating for accountability on the part of Myanmar for crimes committed against the Rohingyas.

The British government on Friday announced three more chartered flights from Bangladesh to take back more than 900 British travellers home.