The US Embassy in Dhaka Wednesday announced the resumption of its Fulbright Program in Bangladesh after six years.

It also jointly launched the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) with Brac University (BracU) in Dhaka's Mohakhali.

Fulbright Program, which "strengthens and expands people-to-people ties and educational linkages between the US and other countries," returned as US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas announced its resumption.
The exchange programme was suspended in Bangladesh following the 2016 Holey Artisan Bakery attack.

Ambassador Haas also announced the AWE-BRACU initiative at the event to promote small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and foster local women entrepreneurs, especially from underprivileged backgrounds.

Through the initiative, 50 women entrepreneurs will have access to mentorship opportunities with successful business owners as trainees to understand the practical challenges on the ground.

The US envoy said both the decisions were made to celebrate the 50 years of ties between the US and Bangladesh.

"Bangladesh is going to become a middle-income country in a couple of years and the role of women in economic empowerment is very important. So, it makes it all the more special to resume the Fulbright Program," he added.

Under the Fulbright Program, Dr Sharon Hart, the first US Fulbright specialist, will work with the Women Empowerment Center of the Brac Business School for six weeks to help develop a curriculum for women's entrepreneurship and leadership training.

Led by the US in partnership with more than 160 countries worldwide, the Fulbright Program offers international educational and cultural exchange programmes for "passionate and accomplished" students, scholars, artists, teachers, and professionals of all backgrounds to study, teach or pursue important research and professional projects.

Throughout its 75-year history, the Fulbright Program has awarded nearly 8,000 students and scholars from 160 nations around the world and the US.

With more than 4,000 State Department Exchange Program alumni, including 650 Bangladeshis who travelled to the US under the Fulbright exchange programs and more than 250 Americans who have conducted research and/or taught in Bangladesh, the US Embassy in Dhaka continues to offer academic and professional development opportunities for students, teachers, and scholars.