Paris Hosts Grand Recognition Ceremony for Bangladeshi High Achievers at BCF’s Annual Celebration

The Bangladesh Community in France (BCF) once again illuminated Paris with its annual celebration of academic excellence, honouring Bangladeshi and Bangladeshi-origin students who have achieved remarkable success in higher education. Held for the seventh consecutive year, the ceremony has now become one of the most anticipated events within the expatriate Bangladeshi community in France. This year’s programme took place at a deluxe auditorium in Rue Thierry Curie, where families, community leaders and dignitaries gathered in a vibrant atmosphere of cultural festivities and recognition.

BCF honoured 30 exceptional individuals who distinguished themselves at various academic levels. These included 10 students who passed the French curriculum, one BTS graduate, two Honours graduates, 15 Master’s students and one newly qualified doctor. Each of these talented individuals received a crest marking their hard-earned success. The event was jointly conducted by BCF Vice President Zahidul Rana, Fatema Tuz Zohra, Tania Rahman and Farsina Hossain, who guided the programme with professionalism and elegance.

The chief guest of the ceremony was Ambassador Khandker M Talha, Bangladesh’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO. His recent election as President of UNESCO’s 43rd General Conference made his participation even more meaningful, and he was honoured with a special tribute. Other organisations and individuals also received recognition for their contributions to society and community development, including the MC Institute, women’s group With the Mind, Nupur Haque, the Bangladesh Students and Alumni Association in Belgium, social activist Khaled Mahmud and theatre personality Shoaib Mozammel.

Among the distinguished attendees were Defence Attaché Brigadier General Mohammad Khairuzzaman Molla (NDC, PSC), First Secretary and Head of Chancery Walid Bin Kashem, Minister (Commercial) Mizanur Rahman, Second Secretary K F M Sharhad Shakil and many prominent figures from the expatriate community. Influential personalities such as M A Taher, Abul Khair Laskar, Juned Ahmed, Saiful Islam, Obaidullah Koyes, Mia Masud and Shahidul Islam added grandeur to the occasion.

A key feature of the evening was the unveiling of Sahojatri, a special souvenir publication edited by journalist Mosaddeq Hossain Saiful. The launch ceremony was conducted by senior members of the France–Bangladesh Journalists’ Association (FBJA) including coordinator Mohammad Mahbub Hossain, spokesperson Mohammad Arif Ullah, Press Club President Ferdous Karim Akhanji and journalists Abul Kalam Mamun, Iqbal Zafar, Russell Ahmed, Badal Pal, Masud Ahmed, Saiful Islam Rony, Abu Bakar Al Amin and Rezaul Islam Raju.

In recognition of humanitarian service, BCF also awarded the French NGO CFF-G for its collaborative work with the Gonoshasthaya Kendra in Savar, originally founded by the late Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury. The French delegation received special appreciation for its consistent support in social welfare initiatives.

The ceremony began with a captivating violin performance by Arshi Barua, who played the national anthems of Bangladesh and France, creating an atmosphere of cultural unity. Motivational speakers Ashraf, Ishtiaq Akib and Oishi Khan delivered inspiring talks that resonated deeply with the young achievers. The cultural segment featured songs by Soma Das, a dance performance choreographed under G M Shariful Islam and a special act by a French dance troupe.

BCF Director Nur, in his welcome speech, emphasised the organisation’s vision to expand its community service activities with collective support. Vice President Mozammel Hossain and General Secretary Nazmul Kabir highlighted ongoing projects and future aspirations. Guests described the annual celebration as a significant milestone for the Bangladeshi community in France, symbolising unity, progress and the bright future of the next generation of scholars.