British Council honours alumni at Study UK Alumni Awards 2026 in Bangladesh

The British Council recently hosted the fourth edition of the prestigious Study UK Alumni Awards 2026 in Bangladesh, held at the Radisson Blu Water Garden Hotel, Dhaka.

Recently held on the awards recognised the remarkable work and achievements of alumni of UK higher education institutions across various sectors, according to a media release. 

Bangladesh is among the select countries hosting a national-level Study UK Alumni Awards ceremony, a testament to the significant impact UK alumni have in the region.

This year’s awards were attended by Dr S M A Faiz, Chairman of the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh, as Chief Guest, along with James Goldman, Deputy High Commissioner and Development Director, representatives from UK universities, business leaders, and key influencers from diverse industries.

The evening was graced by a special performance from UK alumnus Habib Wahid, who studied at London’s School of Audio Engineering.

The ceremony celebrated the achievements of UK-educated professionals across three award categories: the Business and Innovation Award, the Science and Sustainability Award, and the Social Action Award.

Stephen Forbes, Country Director Bangladesh, British Council, remarked, “The Study UK Alumni Awards celebrate people whose ideas, talents, and leadership have transcended borders. This year’s finalists in Bangladesh reflect that same spirit of transformation, individuals who have turned opportunities into impact. Bangladesh’s UK alumni community continues to play a vital role across public service, enterprise, research, and social development, strengthening people-to-people links between the UK and Bangladesh. Supporting these connections lies at the heart of the British Council’s mission.”

The Science and Sustainability Award recognises distinguished alumni in the field of science and sustainability who have demonstrated the impact and scale of their achievements in their profession and beyond.

The award was presented to Dr Shomik Maruf, a Chevening Scholar and alumnus of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.

A public health innovator, Dr Maruf advances digital surveillance and evidence-led strategies to combat neglected tropical diseases.

At icddr,b, he develops cost-effective solutions for neglected tropical diseases, empowering frontline teams and improving care for underserved communities.

The finalists for this category were Dr Md. Moyazzem Hossain from Newcastle University and Dr Syed Farid Uddin Farhad from the University of Bristol.

The Business and Innovation Award is bestowed upon alumni who are active in initiating and contributing to innovative or creative new ideas, solutions, or business opportunities with the potential for growth.

The award was presented to Fasbeer Eskander, an alumnus of University College London and Royal Holloway, University of London.

He founded The Front Page, one of Bangladesh’s leading bite-sized media platforms, and helped introduce a new industry, creating opportunities for organisations to place advertisements and share PR contents creatively.

The Social Action Award honours the work of alumni who have made an exceptional contribution and commitment to creating positive social change and improving the lives of others.

The award was presented to Sumaya Afrin Misti, a Chevening Scholar and alumnus of Nottingham Trent University. A child psychologist, Sumaya, strengthens school-based mental health systems in Bangladesh through counselling, safeguarding initiatives, and wellbeing curricula.

With a master’s degree in Applied Child Psychology from Nottingham Trent University, she also trains early-career psychologists and mentors’ students.

As co-founder of BloomAid, she expands access to evidence-based counselling and youth-led advocacy, advancing mental health support for children and adolescents.

The finalists for this category were Munzereen Shahid from the University of Oxford and Shameem Ara Sheuli from Swansea University, the release adds.