King’s Baton arrives in Bangladesh ahead of Commonwealth Games 2026

The British High Commission in Dhaka welcomed the arrival of the King's Baton in Bangladesh on Wednesday, 17 December, as part of the lead-up to the Commonwealth Games 2026, scheduled to be held in Glasgow, Scotland.

The King's Baton Relay is a long-standing Commonwealth tradition symbolising unity and shared values among member states. The relay connects communities across the Commonwealth and builds momentum ahead of the Games. The journey to Glasgow 2026 will span more than 500 days and travel across all Commonwealth nations and territories.

For the first time, 74 individual batons have been created – one for each Commonwealth nation and territory. Each baton carries a unique word from His Majesty the King's message, engraved to reflect the spirit of inclusivity and togetherness.

Distinguished guests from various sectors, including the Government of Bangladesh, sports organisations, the media and the diplomatic community, attended a reception hosted by the British high commissioner to mark the baton's arrival. The reception followed the King's Baton Relay at the Army Stadium earlier in the day, organised by the Bangladesh Olympic Association, the official authority for the Commonwealth Games in Bangladesh.

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke said, "Welcoming the King's Baton to Bangladesh is a proud moment that reflects our shared commitment to friendship, unity and the values of the Commonwealth. It highlights the strong bonds between Bangladesh and the wider Commonwealth family as we look ahead to Glasgow 2026."