The Assistant High Commission of India in Sylhet organized a colorful orientation program today, Saturday (July 18), at a prestigious hotel in the city for the students selected under the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Scholarship for the academic year 2026-27. The event was attended by a Member of Parliament, scholarship recipients, prominent academicians, dignitaries, and officials from the Assistant High Commission of India.

This year, a significant number of meritorious Bangladeshi students from the Sylhet region have been selected for the ICCR Scholarship to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies at various renowned universities and engineering institutions in India. They have secured admission to prestigious higher education institutions, including IIT Madras, NIT Silchar, NIT Chandigarh, Delhi Technological University, Delhi University, Mumbai University, and Punjab University, among others. The scholars were congratulated on their achievements and provided with necessary guidance regarding various aspects of pursuing higher education in India.

t the beginning of the program, Mr. Rajesh Bhatia, Second Secretary of the Assistant High Commission of India, Sylhet, delivered the welcome address. Highlighting the objectives and significance of the ICCR Scholarship program, he urged the students to move forward in their new academic lives with confidence, discipline, and dedication.

In his speech, the Assistant High Commissioner of India, Shri Aniruddha Das, extended his heartiest congratulations to all the students selected for the ICCR Scholarship 2026-27 and wished them a successful academic journey and a bright future. He also expressed hope that this educational exchange program would continue to play a vital role in further strengthening the bonds of friendship, mutual understanding, and cooperation between the people of Bangladesh and India.

The Member of Parliament for the Sylhet-6 constituency, Advocate Emran Ahmad Chowdhury, attended the event as the Chief Guest. In his address, he highly praised the ICCR Scholarship program and extended his sincere thanks to the Government of India for taking such a significant initiative.

He stated that education is one of the strongest foundations of friendship, mutual respect, and cooperation between the two neighboring countries. He expressed hope that upon completion of their higher education, these students would contribute significantly to the country's development and human resource enrichment through their acquired knowledge, skills, and experience. He urged the students to conduct their academic lives with perseverance, honesty, and responsibility.

Speaking as a Special Guest, Professor Dr. Mohammad Zohirul Hoque, Vice-Chancellor of Metropolitan University, Sylhet, remarked that India is a true friend of Bangladesh. He noted that gaining an opportunity for higher education in such a country is a matter of pride and honor, and exhorted the students to act as responsible and worthy representatives of Bangladesh during their stay in India.

Professor Zafir Setu, Department of Bangla at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST), observed that studying in India is not just about earning a degree, but is also a unique opportunity to become acquainted with the culture, thoughts, and experiences of a vast and diverse nation. He expressed optimism that the ICCR scholars would effectively utilize their acquired knowledge and experience for the advancement of education, research, and development in Bangladesh in the future.

Congratulating the ICCR scholars, Professor Dr. A. S. M. Mahbub, Dean at Sylhet Agricultural University, remarked that Bangladesh is an integral part of the broader Indian civilization. He called upon the students to become partners in the practices of Indian knowledge, science, and research, and to apply that experience to the development and prosperity of Bangladesh.

The speakers collectively emphasized that education is one of the core pillars of international cooperation, mutual trust, and sustainable development. The orientation program concluded with a captivating cultural performance presented by the selected ICCR 2026-27 scholars.