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Christian Commission for Development in Bangladesh (CCDB) has formally awarded scholarships to 30 promising young researchers at the "CCDB Scholarship 2025 Orientation and Award Ceremony."
The event, held at the Bangladesh Institute of Management (BIM), marked the launch of a strategic initiative designed to bridge the gap between academic research and community-led climate solutions.
Bridging the Knowledge Gap, the program was highly competitive, with 250 applications received from 30 universities. Ultimately, 30 scholars from 15 universities and 25 departments were selected.
During briefing, Mousumi Halder, Coordinator of Capacity Building at CCDB, explained that the scholarship aims to "strengthen the persisting knowledge gap" and create an enabling environment for students to interact directly with climate-impacted people.
Beyond financial assistance, the program offers capacity building, research publication support, and global networking opportunities, aiming to disseminate findings from the local community level to global platforms like Conference of Party (COP).
Dr. Kazi Matin Uddin Ahmed, Prof and Dean of the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Dhaka, delivered the keynote address. He highlighted the critical data gaps in Bangladesh and the need for non-governmental initiatives to complement government efforts.
"Climate change is a global challenge, but Bangladesh is ground zero," Dr. Ahmed stated. "We need to search for local solutions not only relying on global solutions. Research should not be confined only to paper; we need to create context-oriented solutions for the betterment of community people."
Distinguished guests emphasized the scientific responsibility of the awardees.
Dr. Hamidul Haque (United International University) urged scholars to ensure data authenticity and scientifically argued evidence, while Dr. Md. Abiar Rahman (Gazipur Agricultural University) noted that this initiative would create a vital "data hub" for future research. Mr. Advin B. Banerjee, Vice-Chairman of the CCDB Commission, reflected on CCDB’s long legacy of development work.
Md Nuruzzaman ndc, Director General (Additional Charge) of BIM, was present as chief guest. He called on the youth to drive change. "What we expect from our youth is to keep questioning, innovation, and curiosity. We need to work for people," he said, pledging his continued support for CCDB’s initiatives.
The awardees expressed that the scholarship represents more than just funding. "This scholarship is not only financial support; it is a trust placed in us by CCDB," said Md. Mahadee Hasan Rony, an awardee from Bangladesh Agricultural University.
Ushrika Islam, an awardee from the University of Dhaka, added, "This award will help us build connections with different stakeholders and enrich our knowledge for the future journey."
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by George Ashit Singha, Head of the Comprehensive Poverty Reduction Program at CCDB.
He thanked the steering committee and attendees, stressing that these research projects must contribute to "science, policy, and practice" to ensure a safer and greener world.
