DHAKA, Oct 10, 2024 (BSS) – International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) and USAID today discussed the possibilities of strengthening ongoing joint collaborative academic and research programmes among Dhaka University (DU) and different institutions of the USA.

The discussion was held when IFES Country Director Dr Tanyel Bedia Taysi and USAID Director for Democracy, Human Rights and Governance Alena J Tansey called on Vice-Chancellor of the country’s premier university Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan at the latter’s office here.

During the meeting, they held an elaborate discussion on the possibilities of establishing a `Democracy Lab’ at Dhaka University to create awareness among the students on human rights and democratic values.    

The US-backed organizations stressed the need for undertaking more joint collaborative academic and training programs on teaching methodology, human rights, crisis management, peace and harmony among DU, USAID and IFES to prepare the students as skilled human resources.

They also discussed the possibilities of formation of a task-force with the combination of DU, USAID and IFES representatives to strengthen joint collaborative programs.

Prof Dr Niaz sought financial support from USAID and IFES to provide scholarships for DU students and give incentives for their voluntary activities.

DU Pro-VC (Admin) Prof. Dr. Sayema Haque Bidisha, Deputy Director of USAID Democracy, Human Rights and Governance Blair King, Chairperson of Political Science Department Prof. Dr. Nasima Khatun and Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed, among others, were present on the occasion.