Study UK alumni awards winners announced in Bangladesh

Earlier yesterday, the winners of the Study UK Alumni Awards 2024-25 in Bangladesh were announced at a ceremony hosted by the British Council.

The awardees were recognised for their outstanding achievements as business professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders and for their contribution to strengthening ties between the UK and Bangladesh. The ceremony was attended by senior representatives from government, non-government and private organisations and UK alumni.

The Award judging panel selected recipients for the four categories: Science and Sustainability Award, Social Action Award, Culture and Creativity Award and Business and Innovation Award.

This prestigious international award celebrates UK higher education and the achievements of UK alumni all over the world. Now in their 11th year, the Alumni Awards are a truly global award: more than 1,300 applications were received from alumni in over 100 countries, representing close to 120 UK universities. 

Dr. Mohammad Abdul Momen, Chairman of the Anti-Corruption Commission, People's Republic of Bangladesh, addressed the event as chief guest. Golam Kibria, Education Adviser, British High Commission Dhaka, Bangladesh, spoke in the event.

The finalists for this year's Study UK Alumni Awards 2024-25 in Bangladesh were:

Business and Innovation Award Syed M Istiak, a graduate of the University of Stirling, is a leading technobusiness entrepreneur in Bangladesh's fisheries sector.

Culture and Creativity Award Dr. Shahman Moishan, a PhD in political Shakespeare and intercultural performance from Shakespeare Institute, University of Birmingham, UK.

Science and Sustainability Award Dr M Tasdik Hasan, an MSc in Global Mental Health jointly awarded by King's College London and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.

Social Action Award Shamsin Ahmed, a MSc in Global Mental Health and Society from the University of Edinburgh.

Stephen Forbes, Country Director Bangladesh, British Council, said: 'Congratulations to all the finalists and winners of this year's Study UK Alumni Awards. Today, we are proud to celebrate their excellent achievements in sectors such as the Business and Innovation Award, Science and Sustainability Award, Social Action Award, and Culture and Creativity Award. Their accomplishments reflect the excellence and innovation that define a UK education. I encourage all alumni to connect with Alumni UK, the British Council's global networking platform that offers a valuable platform for international UK alumni to network, collaborate, and access exclusive training and professional development opportunities.'

The Business and Innovation award winner, Syed M Istiak, is a Commonwealth Scholar and technobusiness entrepreneur; he is revolutionising Bangladesh's fisheries sector. He pioneered value-added seafood, WSSV-negative PL production, and safe, dry fish. As the founder of ASAP-HFL and Business Director at ACIAgrolink, he contributes to policy, academia, and professional associations. He is the founder of the AIMS Lab at UIU and has over 200 articles and numerous patents under his name.

The Culture and Creativity Award winner, Dr Shahman Moishan, is an Associate Professor of Theatre and Performance Studies at the University of Dhaka. He is a scholar-playwright-director with a focus on modern theatrical forms in postcolonial Bangladesh. He explores the collective unconscious through a critical understanding of roots, histories, and the power of performance. Dr Shahman earned his PhD in political Shakespeare and intercultural performance from the Shakespeare Institute, University of Birmingham, UK.

The Science and Sustainability Award winner, Dr M Tasdik Hasan, is a trailblazer in global mental health in Bangladesh; he integrated digital innovations with advocacy to amplify marginalised voices. Recognised by the Mental Health Commission of Canada, he co-develops tools empowering Bangladesh's deaf communities. With 100+ publications, his work bridges research, mentorship, and policy to drive inclusive well-being. He is a recipient of multiple international awards and remains committed to advancing mental health equity for underserved populations worldwide.

Social Action award winner Shamsin Ahmed is the Founder, CEO, and Lead Consultant of Identity Inclusion. She champions an inclusive society through youth leadership and institutional change. As a Chevening scholar, she trains young people to provide psychosocial support and connect with needy families. Along with having trained over 2000 advocates for community-based mental health services, her work as a development consultant has impacted millions.