‘Bangladesh has been given
greater priority’
Adnan Khandker interviews Martin Davidson, the new Chief Executive of British Council, who visited Bangladesh recently and learns about BC’s success in the region, future plans and how it will gradually become more affordable for all classes
photo by Al-Emrun Garjon
|
The new Chief Executive of British Council (BC), Martin Davidson, arrived in Dhaka on September 14. He was on his first visit to Bangladesh, accompanied by Deputy Chairperson Gerard Lemos and Regional Director Dr Morna Nance, to gain acquaintance with British Council’s work in Bangladesh, following his visits to Pakistan and Nepal. The trip, aimed at understanding the Council’s work in Bangladesh and the region, the operating context, country priorities and key issues, was also necessary for meeting with key partners and contacts related to regional and country programmes.
NA: What is the British Council’s global mission and how does it function?
Martin Davidson: BC’s main aim is to maintain the long term friendships that have developed over the years between the UK and other countries. Our purpose is to build mutually beneficial relationships between people in the UK and other countries and to increase appreciation of the UK’s creative ideas and achievements. We work to promote the UK’s achievements in equal opportunities and diversity, and to showcase relevant British Council work in this area. We are incorporated by royal charter and in the UK, we are registered as a charity and operate as an executive non-departmental public body.
We receive strategic direction from a board of trustees that elects its own members with the exception of one, nominated by the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs. All members serve for a term of three years and may stand for re-election. The executive director of our organisation is the chief executive and is supported by a senior management team.
NA: What, then, is the BC’s mission in Bangladesh?
MD: First of all, the relationship with Bangladesh is one that is very important for the UK. The UK has had extensive linkage with Bangladesh in terms of history, culture, trade and politics and the main aim is to maintain this friendship between the two countries. The BC in Bangladesh is striving to strengthen the relationship through its services in diversity, culture and education. At the same time, we recognise that Bangladesh is at a very crucial juncture in its growth and it is in need of assistance. Thus, the BC aims to provide the proper services to help the country grow and become a development partner.
NA: Why do you think the BC has been successful so far?
MD: The organisation has been successful because of the work we do and our strong organisational values. This work is driven by our strong belief in internationalism, a commitment to professionalism and an enthusiasm for creativity. These qualities, coupled with our integrity and our conviction that cultural relations can help individuals and the world community to thrive, make the British Council a formidable partner and a special place to work. Moreover, we have correctly assessed the needs of different countries and done everything we can to help them out. We have greatly assisted countries by providing access to expertise in the UK and training and upgrading local resources. Our philosophy was always about mutual benefit and it is the key to our success.
NA: What is the agenda of your trip?
MD: I was extremely pleased that my first official visit overseas as CEO will cover Bangladesh. As this is also my first visit to Bangladesh, I am looking forward to learning more about what we do here. The main agenda of the trip is to get a first hand insight into our work in this very important region. I also want to discover the country, its state and its overall development. This will help us to expand our knowledge base of the dynamics of working in Bangladesh and also aid us in coming up with better services and improving our efficiency. Overall, this trip is aimed to understand our work here and expand on it to become a better partner.
NA: By our local standards, the services provided by the BC remain well beyond the reach of many. Does the BC have any plans to make the services more affordable?
MD: We completely understand that some of our services cannot be afforded by many; acknowledging that fact goes a long way in my belief. But the BC does have plans at making most of these services more affordable. We also aim to increase access and develop awareness regarding our programs. For example- Bangladesh is striving hard to improve its education systems and achieve greater strides in improving literacy. Education is one of BC’s main field of work with considerable expertise in them. Therefore, the BC plans to provide support to public schools in rural areas in a bid to assist the country in their literacy development. Thus, we are trying to expand our services, and a greater volume will reduce costs for us. That cost reduction will be passed on to our clients in terms of lower charges.
NA: The BC is not as active as other such organisations regarding promotion of cultural activities in Bangladesh. What is your point of view on the issue?
MD: The BC does plan to set up its support to cultural activities in Bangladesh. However, it will be taking a much different form than what most other such organisations in Bangladesh do. The BC is planning to expand its cultural co-operation schemes as our philosophy is slightly different. The BC aims to create collaboration and learning of arts between the two countries through which the artistic world of both the countries will be enriched. The BC also plans to provide greater training to local artists and hold more art seminars and workshops. The BC is also more focused in promoting Bangladeshi art in other countries and providing artists the platform to access art in other countries. For example, we have just finished a fashion program where a Bangladeshi designer got a break to go to the UK.
NA: What can we expect from the BC in the future?
MD: Bangladesh has definitely been given greater priority. Thus, you can expect the BC to give more attention to programmes in Bangladesh. The BC has many plans in the pipeline for Bangladesh in all the sectors that we work in.
We are also planning to expand our current operations to provide greater access to our services to all people in the country. The BC will also be there to lend a hand in the country’s development march by initiating development projects which will help the country and planning to create schemes, which foster greater understanding of our cultures both in the UK and in Bangladesh.
|
Also
|
