Bangladeshi students top the world in cambridge exams

Sixty-five Bangladeshi students were honoured with 'Top in the World' awards at the Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards (OCLA) 2024, a prestigious event co-hosted by the British Council and Cambridge International Education on 30 November 2024 at the Radisson Blu in Dhaka. These students were recognised for exceptional achievements in the June 2024 Cambridge examination series.

Ninety-eight Bangladeshi students received one hundred and twenty-one awards at the 2024 OCLA. These global accolades celebrate the highest achievers in Cambridge International exams, with over a million students worldwide taking part in Cambridge's internationally recognised courses each year. Cambridge International Education has provided global examinations for over one hundred sixty years. The awards recognise achievement in four categories: Top in the World, High Achievement, Top in Country, and Best Across. Among the one hundred twenty-one awards presented, sixty-five Bangladeshi students were recognised with the prestigious 'Top in the World' awards, given to those who have achieved the highest marks worldwide for a particular subject. Of these winners, ninety-eight students received this accolade across Cambridge O Level, Cambridge International AS and A Level, and Cambridge IGCSE subjects.

The ceremony was inaugurated by Shahin Reza, Country Manager for Cambridge International Education in Bangladesh, who delivered the welcome address. He said, "Cambridge International is the fastest growing international awarding body in Bangladesh, and with the growth of schools and the number of students, the number of Top in the World awards have increased significantly in Bangladesh this year, which is also the testament to the hard work of students, teachers and parents".

The event was graced by the chief guest, Professor Dr S.M.A. Faiz, Chairman of the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh, and H.E. Mr James Goldman, Acting British High Commissioner to Bangladesh. Rod Smith, Group Managing Director of International Education at Cambridge, delivered a video message at the event.

In his speech, Chief Guest Professor Dr S.M.A. Faiz commended the students for their brilliant results, especially the 65 Bangladeshi students who achieved Top in the World in the June 2024 Cambridge International exams.

James Goldman, Charge d'Affaires to the British High Commission Bangladesh, said, 'My heartfelt congratulations to the Bangladeshi awardees, who have excelled in the Cambridge International Exam. The UK and Bangladesh share a long-standing partnership cemented by our diaspora, education, trade, and cultural ties. The students' remarkable accomplishments in this UK examination will hopefully open new doors as they work to achieve their goals and make meaningful contributions to their communities.'

Maxim Raimann, Exams Director at the British Council in Bangladesh, said, 'At the British Council, we are committed to facilitating access to UK exams and qualifications, providing teacher training, and sharing best practices in school leadership. Our innovative solutions empower candidates to achieve their full potential. We are pleased to see so many students from Bangladesh have performed exceptionally across various categories in the Cambridge International exams. We are proud to collaborate with Cambridge International Education in delivering the exams and hosting this event to celebrate their tremendous success.'

Tasir Haque, a Cambridge A Level graduate from Sunnydale in 2018 who went on to complete his MBBS at Dhaka Medical College in 2024, and Sheikh Munkasir Ahmed Rafeed, a 2020 Cambridge A Level graduate from Manarat Dhaka International School and College, currently studying for a BSc in Electrical and Electronic Engineering at BUET, shared their inspiring journeys at the event. The event also featured a captivating cultural performance by S.F.X. Greenherald International School students. Other distinguished guests included David Knox, Director of Programmes at the British Council Bangladesh; Maxim Raimann, Exams Director at the British Council Bangladesh; and Zunayed Ahmed, Director of Exams Operations at the British Council. Sarwat Reza, Director of Business Development at the British Council Bangladesh, concluded the event with her closing remarks.