Mohtarima Rahman
[Dhaka, February 08, 2024] The winners of the Study UK Alumni Awards 2023-24 in
Bangladesh were announced at a ceremony, hosted by the British Council. The awardees
were recognised for their outstanding achievements as business professionals, entrepreneurs,
and community leaders, and for their contribution to strengthening ties between the UK and
Bangladesh. The ceremony was attended by senior representatives from government, non-
government and private organisations and UK alumni.
The Award judging panel, selected recipients for the three award categories: Science and
Sustainability Award, Social Action Award, and Business and Innovation Award.
This prestigious international award celebrates UK higher education and the achievements of
UK alumni all over the world. Now in its tenth year, the award received more than 1,450
applications from international UK alumni nearly from 100 countries, representing more than
140 UK higher education institutions across the UK.
Prof. Dr. Muhammed Alamgir, Chairman (Addl. Charge) & Member, University
Grants Commission of Bangladesh, Government of the People’s Republic of
Bangladesh, said, ‘Bangladesh is currently progressing towards the Smart Bangladesh
Vision 2041, and for that, we need smart citizens. Hence, ensuring proper education is now a
necessity because, without education, it is not possible to materialise innovation. I would like
to commend the incredible work of the British Council and the British Government for their
indispensable role in supporting us to ensure better education for all.’
Tom Miscioscia, Director Bangladesh, British Council, said, “Today, we celebrate the
success of the remarkable individuals who are shaping the world around them with the skills,
knowledge and experience they acquired from the UK education. This year’s awards
ceremony is testimony not only to the diverse skillsets of UK alumni and their endeavours but
also to the transformative impact of a UK education. Best wishes to all the finalists and
winners as they embark on their journey toward creating a more prosperous and sustainable
world!”
Acting British High Commissioner and Development Director, Matt Cannell said:
“Congratulations to everyone nominated and shortlisted for this year’s awards. The
StudyUK Alumni Awards celebrate the achievements of UK alumni all over the world,
including here in Bangladesh. The UK and Bangladesh have a vibrant partnership cemented
by our diaspora, cultural, trade and economic links. The 20,000 UK alumni living and
working here in Bangladesh are testament to the strength of those links and people-to-people
connections.”
The finalists for this year’s Study UK Alumni Awards 2023-24 in Bangladesh were:
Business and Innovation Award Prof. Khondaker A. Mamun, University of Southampton;
Mohsena Khanom, Oxford Brooks University; and Tanvir Ahmed, Kingston University,
Cardiff University
Science and Sustainability Award Dr. Mustak Ibn Ayub, University of Oxford; Dr. Kamrun
Koly, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Kings College London and Alifa
Bintha Haque, University of Oxford
Social Action Award Mohammad Taqi Yasir City, University of London; Syeda Samara
Mortada, University of York; and Tanjila Mazumder Drishti, University of Sussex.
The Business and Innovation award was presented to Prof. Khondaker A. Mamun, a
graduate of University of Southampton. Prof. Khondaker is a distinguished AI researcher and
Founder of AIMS Lab at UIU and has over 200 articles and numerous patents under his
name.
The Science and Sustainability Award was presented to Dr. Kamrun Koly, a graduate of
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and Kings College London. An associate
Scientist and mental health researcher, Dr Kamrun is based at the international health
research institution- icddr,b. She has been recognized with multiple research and social
awards including Mujib-100 years research grant for women and Inspiring women volunteer
by United Nations, Bangladesh.
The Social Action award was presented to Mr. Mohammad Taqi Yasir, a graduate of
University of London. A dynamic Bangladeshi development practitioner, lawyer, lecturer,
and entrepreneur is the founder of ‘Footsteps’, an organisation working on sustainable
community-centric initiatives. He is the recipient of multiple awards and recognitions
including the Forbes 30 under 30 Asia in 2022 under the Social Impact category.
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