US for people-to people tie with Bangladesh: Stephen Ibelli

United States is keen to strengthen people-to-people ties with Bangladesh by promoting American higher education among local students, US embassy's public affairs counselor Stephen Ibelli said today (3 October).

"We are interested in promoting American education, so that many Bangladeshis can really contribute to this new Bangladesh retuning from the US with world class American education," he told media after an event held at Guldhan's Edward M Kennedy (EMK) Center. 

Ibelli noted that approximately 14,000 Bangladeshi students are currently enrolled in universities and colleges across the US, the highest number ever. 

"This is a wonderful way to connect our two nations," he said underscoring the potential for educational exchanges to strengthen bilateral ties.

In addition to academic programmes, the US Embassy also facilitates professional exchange visits, sending around 100 Bangladeshi professionals to the US each year. 

"We are always interested in enhancing people-to-people connections between Bangladesh and the US," Ibelli remarked.

There are over 4,000 universities and colleges in the US, providing ample opportunities for Bangladeshi students to pursue their academic goals. 

Ibelli emphasized that EducationUSA centers, located in Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet, Khulna, Barishal, and Rajshahi- offer free information and guidance on studying in the US.

He urged students not to pay any money to brokers for information on US universities, as all the necessary details are available for free at the EducationUSA centers. 

Earlier in the day, Ibelli and other US Embassy officials engaged with students from JAAGO School during a session at the EMK Center, where they discussed opportunities for higher education in the USA in an interactive and informal setting.

The session also touched upon US-Bangladesh bilateral relations, with Ibelli emphasising the importance of education as a bridge between the two nations.