Maarya Rehman has joined the British Council in Bangladesh as deputy director, bringing a strong record in culture, education and youth work across South Asia. Her appointment truly marks a step forward for the Council’s work here and was celebrated at a welcome event held on the British Council’s Dhaka premises. Maarya first joined the British Council in 2015 and has led several important projects since then, including reopening major public library facilities in Lahore and Karachi. She has also served as director of libraries and outreach, area director for Punjab and deputy director in Pakistan, roles that helped her build deep links with local communities and education partners. In October 2020 she became country director for the British Council in Sri Lanka and later returned to Pakistan in 2023 as deputy director, giving her a strong mix of leadership and local experience. In Bangladesh she will oversee the design and delivery of programmes in education, English, the arts and youth, and will work to create new partnerships that open doors for young people to learn, connect and exchange ideas with the UK. Maarya said she was excited to work with partners in Bangladesh to co-create inclusive and future-focused programmes that empower young people and strengthen global connections built on trust and collaboration. The welcome event in Dhaka brought together representatives from government, academics, development partners, social activists, researchers and enthusiasts, creating a friendly space for new collaboration and ideas. The gathering also served as a farewell to David Knox, the outgoing director programmes, who completed three years of service and helped steer the Council’s cultural relations and development work in the country. Organisers said the handover was a chance to celebrate past achievements while looking ahead to fresh projects and new creative ways to support learners and artists. Local partners told guests they hoped the British Council’s programmes would expand access to English learning, support arts and cultural projects, and give young people clearer pathways to skills and opportunities. Maarya’s background working with libraries, outreach and youth programmes gives her practical experience for these goals, and colleagues said they expect her to take an inclusive approach that listens to local needs. Her leadership could help grow programmes that blend classroom learning, creative workshops and community projects, and that aim to reach a wide mix of learners in cities and smaller towns. While the British Council plans specific projects with partners, observers say the focus is on building trust and long-term ties that help people learn new skills and take part in cultural exchanges. Maarya will now begin meeting partners and communities across Bangladesh to shape projects that reflect local priorities, create chances for young people to develop and connect.
