ZCZC
BSS-24
AMBASSADOR-VISIT-RAJSHAHI
US Ambassador visits Rajshahi
DHAKA, March 29, 2019 (BSS) – US Ambassador in Dhaka Earl R Miller has visited Rajshahi to promote the US educational and cultural exchanges, economic engagement, and law enforcement cooperation in the region.
Miller inaugurated the new American Corner at Varendra University, reviewed US-supported cultural preservation work at the Varendra Research Museum, presented certificates to students in the English Access Micro-scholarship Programme, and joined students in the screening of US-funded films designed to encourage tolerance, non-violence, and community engagement during his three-day visit ended today.
He thanked Varendra University for hosting American Corner Rajshahi – one of four American Corners across Bangladesh that function as extension of the American Center in Dhaka, said a press release of the US Embassy in Dhaka.
American Corner Rajshahi receives more than 1,000 visitors a month who come to learn about US culture, prepare to study in the United States, and participate in programmes.
At the Corner, Ambassador Miller met US Department of State exchange programme alumni who participated in programmes on journalism, English teaching, civil society, biological research, and other topics during their US visits.
At Radio Padma, he discussed the US-funded “American English Radio Programme” which reaches 1.3 million listeners per episode; met youth leaders working on a US-funded programme to reduce violence among their peers; and met two US exchange alumni who operate the station.
He also awarded certificates to students participating in the Department of State-funded English Access Microscholarship Programme, which provides two years of English study and leadership skills to Bangladeshi students aged 13-17.
Miller visited the Varendra Research Museum to see work funded by three grants totaling US$ 193,000 for architectural and exhibition restoration and preservation through the US Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation.
While at Rajshahi University, he introduced “Projonmo Wave,” a short film series designed to encourage tolerance, non-violence, and community engagement among young people.
Separately, he met with some of the more than 4,500 current and former university students and police who have gained a common sense of community through a US-sponsored programme operating since 2016.
The US envoy visited the Bangladesh Police Academy where he reviewed US-funded programming which has helped train 13,770 law enforcement professionals. He also observed the first Bangladeshi trainer-led emergency first aid course using a new US curriculum.
He was welcomed by Rajshahi city mayor Khairuzzaman Liton. Arriving the day after Bangladesh Independence Day, he paid his respects by laying a wreath at the Rajshahi University Shahid Minar.
BSS/PR/MRI/KU/1940 HRS