Category: Washington

North South University (NSU) recently organized a thought-provoking lecture titled “Reciprocal Tariffs: Challenge or Opportunity?”, focusing on the growing trade dynamics between Bangladesh and the United States. The event brought together experts, academics, and policy analysts to discuss the implications of reciprocal tariffs and how they may impact Bangladesh’s economy, especially its key export sectors.

Key Highlights:
Bangladesh–US Trade Relationship
The session explored the current trade relations between Bangladesh and the U.S., emphasizing the strategic importance of the American market for Bangladeshi exports, particularly in the ready-made garments (RMG) sector.

Impact of Reciprocal Tariffs on the Economy
Experts discussed how potential reciprocal tariffs could pose a challenge to Bangladesh’s export-driven economy. The discussion highlighted risks such as reduced competitiveness and increased production costs for local exporters.

Strategic Responses and Policy Solutions
Speakers at the lecture stressed the need for proactive trade policies, diversification of export destinations, and diplomatic efforts to negotiate favorable trade terms. These measures could help turn trade challenges into long-term economic opportunities.

Conclusion:
The NSU-hosted event shed light on a crucial issue affecting Bangladesh’s global trade position. As the U.S. considers implementing or adjusting tariffs, Bangladesh must evaluate both the risks and potential advantages to secure sustainable growth. Thoughtful engagement, strategic policymaking, and global collaboration were underscored as essential tools for navigating these emerging economic challenges.

Brac University School of Law proudly represented Bangladesh at the prestigious White & Case International Rounds of the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition held in Washington, D.C., from March 29 to April 5, 2025. The team—Nasreen Alam, Syed Abdullah Jabeer, and Mahia Rahman—earned this honor after winning the 9th Bangladesh Qualifying Rounds, becoming National Champions for the first time in the university’s history.

Brac University Among Global Legal Elites

Competing against 805 teams from 104 countries, Brac University stood tall, proudly carrying the Bangladeshi flag at the opening ceremony and demonstrating legal excellence on the global moot court stage.

Preliminary Round Competitions

In the preliminary rounds, Brac University faced top-tier institutions from:

• Uzbekistan: Westminster International University in Tashkent
• India: Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law
• Norway: University of Oslo
• Azerbaijan: ADA University

Their victory over ADA University of Azerbaijan—a team that advanced to the next round—was especially notable. This decisive win highlighted Brac University’s advocacy skills, legal acumen, and global competitiveness.

Individual Achievements: Global Recognition for Oralists

• Nasreen Alam was recognized as the top oralist from Bangladesh, outperforming participants from renowned global institutions such as UCL, the University of Sydney, Peking University, and the University of Chicago Law School.
• Syed Abdullah Jabeer, the team’s second oralist, earned the title of third-best oralist from Bangladesh, ranking higher than competitors from Emory University, the University of Helsinki, Georgetown University Qatar, LUMS, and others.

Global Rankings and Memorial Excellence

Brac University achieved an impressive 117th place in the global rankings, placing above prestigious law schools from Japan, the USA, China, and beyond.

Their written memorial also garnered international praise, outranking globally respected institutions such as:

• New York University (NYU)
• Arizona State University
• University of California–Irvine
• University of Georgia
• Honourable Society of the Inner Temple
• Boston College
• University of the Philippines

These results reflect Brac University’s dedication to excellence in legal education, both in oral advocacy and memorial writing, further establishing the university as a rising powerhouse in international moot court competitions.

U.S. Embassy in Dhaka is launching the 2026-2027 Fulbright Foreign Student Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE). The program offers scholarships for young professionals to pursue a master’s degree in the United States. The program is open to junior faculty members working at higher education institutions in Bangladesh and junior to mid-level employees at research organizations, think tanks, and NGOs.

Program focuses on American studies, energy, security, migration, business, economics, international relations, public administration, public policy, education, biological and physical sciences, social sciences, and humanities. Eligibility requirements include having a four-year bachelor’s degree with an outstanding academic record from an accredited public or private university in Bangladesh, not having a degree from a U.S. college/university or enrolled in a current degree program in the United States, not holding a master’s degree from any foreign country, having at least two years of full-time professional experience relevant to the proposed field of study, being fluent in English with a minimum iBT TOEFL score of 90 / IELTS 7.0, and being a Bangladeshi citizen residing in Bangladesh at the time of application.

To apply, applicants must submit a completed online application, academic transcripts and certificates from each post-secondary institution attended, three recommendation letters, an academic records information form, a valid TOEFL/IELTS score, and a GRE or GMAT score. Applications are due on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. BST.

For TOEFL, IELTS, GRE and GMAT online and offline preparation practice, you can contact us at Bright Admission Coaching.

Ninth Bangladesh Qualifying Rounds of the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition 2025 took place on February 6 at the American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB). Event known as the ‘World Cup of Moot’ featured over 900 law schools from nearly 100 countries.

Bangladesh Qualifying Round the third largest globally and the second largest among South Asian countries featured 44 participating universities and four observer teams. Event was supported by Hearth Bangladesh and AIUB. Ceremony was attended by attorney general of Bangladesh Asaduzzaman and other dignitaries.

U.S. Embassy Dhaka is launching the 2025-2026 Community College Initiative (CCI) Program, an exchange program that offers scholarships to Bangladeshi undergraduate students to study at a U.S. community college for one academic year. The program consists of academic coursework, service learning, internships, cultural exchange, leadership development, and action planning. Students will complete one year of academic coursework at a U.S. community college in their chosen field of study and may earn professional certificates.

The program covers various fields such as agriculture, IT, business and entrepreneurship, applied engineering, early childhood education, and creative economy and media. While not an academic degree program, participants can earn an academic certificate and gain first-hand experience through internships.

Minimum participation requirements include being a citizen, national, or permanent resident, currently residing in the eligible country, 18 years or older by July 1, having successfully earned a higher secondary school certificate, not having completed three years toward a U.S. bachelor’s degree or higher in the field of study, demonstrating commitment to the selected field of study through academic or professional experience, having basic working knowledge of the English language, having limited or no overseas study experience, submitting a complete original application, receiving a U.S. J-1 visa, being willing and mentally and physically able to complete the program, returning to their home country after completion, and satisfying the two-year residency requirement.

Applications are due on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. (Bangladesh Standard Time). To apply, applicants can download the CCI Application Form 2025-2026 or drop their paper applications at the American Center, located at J Block, Progati Sharoni, Baridhara, Dhaka-1212.

Apply here: COMMUNITY COLLEGE SUMMIT INITIATIVE PROGRAM

If you have any questions, please contact the Bright Admission Coaching at research@brightadmissioncoaching.com.

U.S. Embassy Dhaka is launching the 2025-26 Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program, offering scholars the chance to conduct post-doctoral research and teach at U.S. institutions. Program which aims to provide opportunities for scholars with 10 or more years of professional experience, is open to experienced Bangladeshi professionals, university faculty members, and researchers from think tanks and relevant organizations. The program focuses on various fields such as university administration, curriculum development, distance learning, education technology, public health, biological sciences, pharmacy, climate change and disaster management, urban planning, and international relations.

Program offers research grants for scholars to conduct needs assessments, consult with administrators and instructors, and develop academic curricula or educational materials. It also offers one- or two-semester lecturing grants for Bangladeshi scholars and academics interested in teaching at American universities. Candidates must have excellent English language skills to function professionally in an American university setting.

During the program, Fulbright Visiting Scholars can engage in stimulating topics, meet other Fulbrighters, broaden their intellectual networks, and experience the diversity of higher education in the United States. The Outreach Lecturing Fund (OLF) provides funding for campuses to virtually host Fulbright Visiting Scholars for short-term speaking engagements, promoting academic disciplines and cultural understanding. The Enrichment Program offers Fulbright Visiting Scholars activities that enhance their exchange programs, enabling them to better experience America and further the Fulbright Program’s goal of increasing mutual understanding between the U.S. and other countries.

Eligibility requirements include being senior faculty members/researchers holding a PhD or equivalent professional training or experience, having a minimum of ten years of professional experience, excellent publication records, excellent English language skills, submitting a detailed project statement of proposed activity at a U.S. institution, and being committed to returning to Bangladesh upon completion of their research/teaching assignments.

Application Information and Deadline:
Applications are due on Tuesday, January 1, 2025, at 10:59 a.m. BST (Bangladesh time).

For submitting online application, please visit https://apply.iie.org/fvsp2025

For detailed application instructions, please check: Instructions for Completing the 2025-2026 Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program Application

For further information, please contact: research@brightadmissioncoaching.

Brac University (BU) hosted an inspirational talk by veteran astronaut Joseph M. Acaba, chief of NASA’s Astronaut Office, on 15 December 2024. Acaba, a decorated veteran, former U.S. Marine, and former educator, has logged 306 days in space on three missions and conducted two spacewalks. Event titled “From Earth to Orbit: An Astronaut’s Tale,” allowed students and faculty members to engage with Acaba and gain insights into NASA missions. Acaba discussed his journey, life aboard the International Space Station, the wonders and science behind space exploration, and the importance of STEM education.

Mahbubul Alam Majumdar, Dean of the School of Data and Sciences at Brac University delivered the welcome speech while Scott E. Hartmann, Director for Public Engagement at the U.S. Embassy Dhaka also spoke. Acaba advised students to prioritize their education and encourage them to visit NASA’s website for opportunities and pathways. He also urged students to avoid making mistakes as valuable learning experiences.

Acaba emphasized the importance of making our Earth more liveable and reflected on NASA’s vision of exploring beyond what has been discovered so far. He expressed hope that someone from this audience would be selected for NASA’s Artemis squad.

Session was expertly facilitated and moderated by Khairul Basher, Director of Communications at Brac University. In closing remarks, BU Vice-Chancellor Professor Syed Ferhat Anwar encouraged the students and expressed his hope that their names would be on the list of astronauts.

U.S. Embassy Dhaka hosted an event on 9 December 2024 to promote the USAID Healthier in Motion wellness campaign at Brac University campus. Event attended by Bangladesh national women’s football team captain Sabina Khatun and players Maria Manda, Ritu Porna Chakma, and Masura Parvin, emphasized the importance of physical and mental well-being, empowering women and girls through traditionally male-dominated activities. Event was attended by U.S. Embassy Chargé d’affaires Megan Bouldin, Brac University Pro Vice-Chancellor Syed Mahfuzul Aziz and Registrar David Dowland.

Event featured a futsal match, yoga session, and dynamic sports and fitness activities. Campaign organized in partnership with Khelbei Bangladesh and Dhaka Flow aims to create an inclusive environment where individuals particularly women can prioritize their well-being and actively participate in physical activities. Healthier in Motion also features regional and national outreach events, bringing together youth, women, and communities alongside fitness professionals, health experts, and celebrities to champion healthy lifestyles.