Dhaka: British High Commissioner in Dhaka Robert W Gibson on Wednesday greeted 16 potential future leaders of Bangladesh and welcomed them to his residence in the city.

The 16 are all recipients of the Chevening Scholarship Award to study in the UK this academic year.

Congratulating them, the High Commissioner said Chevening is the UK government’s international flagship programme which allows future leaders, influencers and decision-makers from around the world to learn, build on their experience and unleash their potential.

‘I’m delighted that this year there has been a big increase in the number of scholarships.  Today, we’re wishing bon voyage to 16 scholars from Bangladesh, compared to 4 last year,’ said the diplomat.

Gibson said they are joining an elite group of global future leaders.  ‘A fantastic achievement that not only demonstrates the United Kingdom as a friend of Bangladesh, but also that we share a common vision for the future. A vision to tackle big global problems together, whether it’s combating the adverse effects of climate change, opposing violence against women in war or stopping child marriage in the next decade.’

He offered his best wishes to all those going to the UK to study this year. ‘Chevening Scholars are the leaders that can shape tomorrow’s future: members of an exclusive club of over 40,000 Chevening alumni from over 150 countries with the potential to change so much in the years to come.’

This year’s Chevening Scholars are M Mahmudul Hoque, Zuton Chanda, Anusheh Shiham, Sharaban Zaman, M Sekandar Zulker Nayeen, Helal Mohammed Khan, Khandker Ashequl Haque, Mehnaz Morshed, M Golam Sarwar , Mohammad Hossain, Khandaker Aminul Islam,  Aziz Kawser , M Abu Sayed , Shahed bin Aziz, Mirza M Mehedi Hassan and Rezwan Siddiqui.