In a significant step towards strengthening academic ties between Bangladesh and the United States, the Public Affairs Counselor of the US Embassy in Bangladesh, Mr. Stephen Ibelli, paid a courtesy visit to Dhaka University (DU) on Monday. Accompanied by DU Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) Prof. Dr. Sitesh Chandra Bachar, Mr. Ibelli engaged in discussions with DU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. A S M Maksud Kamal at the university's office.
The meeting primarily focused on exploring opportunities for joint collaborative academic and research programs in various fields of mutual interest, including English language & literature, Climate Change & Disaster Management, and Information Technology. Both parties emphasized the importance of expanding ongoing collaborative efforts and promoting exchange programs for teachers, students, and researchers between DU and universities in the United States.
Expressing his eagerness to strengthen academic collaboration, Mr. Ibelli highlighted plans to increase the number of prestigious Fulbright Scholarships available to teachers, researchers, and students from Dhaka University. He also proposed organizing a 'US Education Fair' at the DU campus in September, seeking cooperation and support from DU authorities for the event.
In response, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. A S M Maksud Kamal assured Mr. Ibelli of DU's full support for hosting the Education Fair. He also underscored the importance of mutual cooperation in exchanging information on crucial topics such as Climate Change & Disaster Management, Gender Equality, Data Science, Social Science, and Public Health.
Prof. Dr. Kamal expressed his gratitude to Mr. Ibelli for his visit and genuine interest in enhancing academic collaboration with Dhaka University.
The discussions held during the visit signify a promising step forward in fostering stronger educational ties between Bangladesh and the United States, paving the way for future collaborative endeavors and academic excellence.