The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

The British Acting High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Duncan Norman MBE (5th from left), hosted a lunch at his Residence on June 4 last to present certificates to five Bangladeshi Chevening Fellows who participated in the 2007-08 British Chevening Fellowship courses.

Chevening Fellowships are awarded globally by the UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office and aim to provide Fellows with a positive, professional development opportunity through a 12-week subject-immersion course in the UK with a challenging programme of academic, practical, policy and political exposure.

The British Acting High Commissioner said, "We are proud that the UK co-operates closely with Bangladesh on education; there are real benefits to be had in terms of development, cultural exchange and improving governance. The British High Commission, Department for International Development (DFID) and British Council all play a part. The Chevening programme promotes excellence in leadership, and we expect those that have participated to take the expertise that they have gained in the UK and go on to make a positive impact in Bangladesh".

This year, five Fellows received Certificates following completion of courses in 'Managing Migration', 'Government Relations with NGOs and Civil Society', 'Democracy, the Rule of Law and Security', and 'Economic Governance and Reform'.

The Fellows are successful mid-career and senior professionals in positions of leadership, authority and influence, active in the subject area of their Fellowships. These Fellowships offer intensive professional development through a 12-week subject-immersion course in UK universities, with a challenging programme of academic, practical, and policy study and debate. They provide an opportunity to engage internationally with experts in their respective fields, sharing in the latest research and thinking on issues and applying this in ways that benefit both them personally, and Bangladesh.

The British High Commission also runs a Scholarship scheme under the Chevening programme for postgraduate studies or research at UK Institutions of Higher Education. The scheme is open to first class degree holders only wishing to undertake one year's Masters study or equivalent level study in the United Kingdom.