Dr. Md. Shanawez Hossain, Associate Professor of Global Studies & Governance (GSG) Department under the School of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences (SLASS) at Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB), has been selected for the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), a prestigious exchange program organized by the United States Department of State. The program, which will run from September 21 to October 12, 2024, will take place in Washington, D.C., and other locations in the United States.

Dr. Hossain, who is the only participant from a private university in Bangladesh, will join fellow scholars and leaders from around the world to explore key global issues such as US foreign policy, multilateral cooperation, climate change advocacy, human rights, economic development, national security concerns, and the role of academia in policy analysis and formulation. He will represent IUB alongside participants from public universities, think tanks, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reflecting the diversity of expertise and perspectives in the program.

The IVLP is designed to provide foreign leaders and scholars with opportunities to meet their American counterparts, fostering cross-cultural understanding and promoting friendly relations between US and other countries. 

Dr. Hossain said, “Participating in the IVLP will deepen my understanding of the US government’s decision-making process and how it influences foreign policy across the globe. This knowledge will significantly enhance my academic and research work, allowing me to provide unique insights into foreign policymaking in different contexts.”

He added that the program will help him expand his professional network and enhance his communication and leadership skills through interactions with individuals from various cultural and professional backgrounds. 

“The experience I gain from this exchange will enrich my teaching and research at IUB and allow me to contribute more effectively to policy discussions within Bangladesh,” he said.

Upon returning to Bangladesh, Dr. Hossain plans to share his experiences with the IUB community and beyond by organizing seminars, workshops, and public lectures. Through these initiatives, he hopes to inspire others to participate in similar programs and to contribute to Bangladesh’s development through informed policymaking.

BDST: 1510 HRS, SEP 17, 2024
MSK