A four-member US delegation led by Stephen F. Ibelli, Public Affairs Counselor at the US Embassy in Dhaka, met with Dhaka University (DU) Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan on Wednesday.

The discussions centred on strengthening joint academic and research programs, increasing scholarship opportunities, and promoting student exchanges between DU and US universities, said a press release.

Other members of the delegation included Scott Hartmann, Raihana Sultana, and Jonatha Gomes from the embassy. DU officials present included Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) Prof Dr Mamun Ahmed, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Prof Dr Sayema Haque Bidisha, and Treasurer Prof Dr M Jahangir Alam Chowdhury.

During the meeting, they explored opportunities for enhancing ongoing collaborative academic and research initiatives between the University of Dhaka and various US institutions.

They also addressed bilateral issues, such as establishing an American Corner at DU, enhancing the Fulbright scholarship program, and developing entrepreneurship and English language skills programs to bolster the employability of DU students.

The participants emphasised the importance of exchanging faculty and students between DU and US universities, as well as sharing data and information between the American Center and Dhaka University.

DU VC Prof Niaz requested financial support and collaboration from the delegation to construct a new residential hall for female students at DU. The delegation assured the VC that they would consider the request positively.