70 Bangladeshis receive Australia govt scholarships

A total of 70 Bangladeshi nationals have received the Australia government’s scholarships to pursue master’s level study at Australian universities in 2019.

The Bangladeshi officials and private sector representatives will study a range of disciplines including, energy, climate change, cyber-security, education, engineering, public policy and health, says a press statement sent by the Australian High Commission to Dhaka on Thursday.

Australian high commissioner to Bangladesh, Julia Niblett addressed the departing awardees at a farewell event in the capital.

“As future leaders in Bangladesh, there are many opportunities to contribute to the development of Bangladesh. Your Australian masters' qualification will assist you in positively supporting the future growth of Bangladesh,” said Niblett while addressing the farewell event.

Nasrul Hamid, state minister for the power, energy and mineral resources and chief guest at the event said, “I’m grateful to the Australian government, and the high commission for this valuable initiative. They have done a wonderful job in not only creating the training opportunity, but dealing with our agencies to bring out 70 brilliant graduates.”

“I hope that we will work out a mechanism to extend this training program further,” he added.

The event also welcomed home 40 scholars returning to Bangladesh after recently completing their studies.

The press statement added that Australia has supported over 3,000 Bangladeshis to study in Australia since 1972. There is gender balance among the scholars with 50 per cent men and women. Ten per cent of the 2019 scholars are from indigenous communities and six per cent of scholars identify as having a disability.