British Deputy High Commissioner and Development Director in Bangladesh, James Goldman, has said that the British government is keen to increase its investment in youth education in Bangladesh.

He made these remarks during his speech at the Second IHSB Inter-School Business Carnival, which began on Friday at the premises of International Hope School Bangladesh (IHSB) in Uttara, Dhaka. The three-day event will run until Sunday (17 November), according to a press release.

Organised by the IHSB Business Club with support from OkoTex, the carnival aims to promote business and entrepreneurship among students. Over 600 students from 50 renowned schools in Dhaka are participating.

James Goldman inaugurated the event, presided over by Rafeed Bin Jalil, President of the IHSB Business Carnival. The opening ceremony featured speeches by Trade and Investment Director Dan Pasha, Sterling Education CEO Timothy Donald Fisher, and the chairman of International Hope School.

During his address, Goldman highlighted the British government’s continued support for education in Bangladesh, mentioning, “Yesterday, I visited a school for underprivileged children funded by the British government. Today, I am here at the IHSB Business Carnival, which is a testament to our commitment to investing in youth education. Partnerships like this between the UK and Bangladesh add value and foster collaboration.”

He also emphasised Sterling Education's broader role in investing in young people, not just in education.

The carnival includes three business competitions designed to nurture entrepreneurial skills:

Friedman’s Fallacy: Addressing economic challenges.

Pitch Perfect: Presenting unique business ideas, with a courtesy gift for the best idea from Biman Bangladesh Airlines.

Marketing Mania: Showcasing marketing and business skills.

Timothy Donald Fisher, in his welcome address, shared Sterling Education's vision to create opportunities for Bangladeshi teachers and students. As part of this mission, IHSB organises major competitions like the Business Carnival, Bangla Olympiad, and STEM Fest.

“Our goal is to help students become self-reliant, entrepreneurial, and team-oriented to advance the nation,” Fisher said, adding that plans include establishing a British university branch and a teacher training centre in Dhaka.

The event features exhibitions and fairs, with stalls from 20 prominent business groups. The fair will also include products from student-run stalls and provide business advice. It is open to the public daily from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.

The closing ceremony will take place at 4:00 pm on Sunday, featuring special guests such as Hi-Tech Park Managing Director Dilruba Tonu, corporate entrepreneur Golam Samdani Don, and IHSB Business Club Chief Advisor Fariya Hossain. F

ollowing the awards, the event will conclude with a cultural programme, including a performance by the popular band Shunno.