The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Foundation Bangladesh held its prestigious Gold Award Ceremony on 19 January at the Residence of the British High Commissioner to Bangladesh. The event honored 232 exceptional students from 13 leading institutions, including ABC International School, Bangladesh International Tutorial, CIDER International School, Grow Your Reader Foundation, Independent University Bangladesh, International School Dhaka, Jahangirnagar University, Maple Leaf International School, Sir John Wilson School, Summerfield International School, University of Chittagong and University of Dhaka, a press release said.
Her Excellency Sarah Cooke, the British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, hosted the ceremony. In her address, she said, “The UK and Bangladesh have deep ties, and the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award reflects that strong partnership. This ceremony is not only about marking an event, but about celebrating the limitless potential of young people”.
Mr. Rizwan Bin Farouq, Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Foundation, said, “By helping young people overcome the ‘fear factor’, the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award plays an important role in shaping confident, capable and socially responsible leaders”.
The event was marked by the presence of the Board of Trustees, signifying a strong institutional commitment to youth development. Notable attendees included Mr. Mirza Salman Ispahani (Honorary Secretary), Ms. Talita Choudhury (Treasurer), and Ms. Runa Khan (Honorary Member) of the Foundation.
The ceremony concluded with a formal Vote of Thanks delivered by Mr. Mirza Salman Ispahani who expressed gratitude to H.E. the British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Head of Institutions, Award Coordinators, and Award Leaders for their unwavering support.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a global non-formal education framework that challenges young people to develop new skills, stay physically active, and give back to their communities. The Gold Award is the highest level of the programme, requiring participants to demonstrate exceptional commitment to volunteering, physical activity, skills, adventurous journey and a residential project.
