Dhaka:Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) Vice-President Dr. Touhidur Rahman Awal has achieved the position of ambassador for the Peking University (PKU) Dongfang Scholarship programme, outpacing representatives from 54 countries in a competitive election.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr. Awal represented Bangladesh in the prestigious scholarship programme, which is organized by Peking University in China for emerging political leaders. He secured the highest number of votes, earning 19 in total, to become the ambassador.
The election rules stipulate that Peking University selects its ambassador through a direct voting process. Dr. Awal's closest competitor was Lorena Ponce, an adviser to the Vice President of Ecuador, who garnered 17 votes. Zimbabwe's State Minister for Home Affairs, Albert Mavunga, received eight votes, while Maldives Deputy Minister Ahmed Arim obtained five votes.
Following his election, Dr. Awal expressed his gratitude towards Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and BNP Acting Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi for their support, which enabled him to take part in the scholarship programme. He emphasized his commitment to honoring their trust and highlighted that his election as ambassador positions Bangladesh prominently on the global stage.
Dr. Awal also mentioned that representatives from the participating countries have pledged their commitment to support Bangladesh and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.