An Asian summit of higher studies will be held in Dhaka on October 6 this year at the initiative of the USAID and in collaboration with the Dhaka University and Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology.
"The principal objective is to ensure greater role of the private sector in higher education." said Denise Rollins, Mission Director of the USAID Bangladesh on Thursday.
Addressing the monthly luncheon meeting of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Bangladesh Denise Rollins highlighted USAID activities in Bangladesh and sought more cooperation from the private sector for improving the lives of the people of Bangladesh.
Since 1971, she said, USAID has provided over $5.0 billion in development assistance. Food aid accounts for over half of the amount.
She said with USAID assistance, Bangladesh has seen significant improvement in living condition of its people. "Now Bangladeshis have better access to healthcare and electricity, increased agricultural productivity and better nutrition," the Mission Director said.
Last year, USAID provided more than $78 million in assistance to Bangladesh. USAID also played a significant role in flood relief efforts in 2004, contributing $1.6 million as humanitarian aid as well as redirecting nearly 10,000 tonnes of rice, valued at $6.6 million, to the flood-affected Bangladeshis.
USAID supports national policies and democratic institutions to be more transparent and responsive to citizen input. With USAID assistance, Denise said, Bangladeshi NGOs are helping to ensure credible and transparent elections and the promotion of human rights. This includes work to prevent human trafficking, protect labor rights of workers and further respect, tolerance, and understanding of human rights. It also promotes citizen participation in local government.
She highlighted USAID activities in healthcare, education, food security, disaster mitigation, preparedness and relief.
Chaired by AmCham President Syed Ershad Ahmed, the meeting was also addressed by its vice-president Trevor Mcdonald and Executive Director A Gafur.
