U.S. Embassy Dhaka PDS Annual Program Statement

Overview

PDS Dhaka invites proposals for programs that strengthen cultural, educational, or professional ties between the people of Bangladesh and the United States. Programs must highlight shared values and promote bilateral cooperation. All programs must include an U.S. cultural element, or connection with an U.S. expert(s), organization(s), or institution(s) in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives. This can also include the involvement of Bangladeshi alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs. Applicants are encouraged to review the U.S. Mission to Bangladesh Integrated Country Strategy to help develop strong proposals that align with the U.S. government’s priorities in Bangladesh.

Examples of PDS-funded programs include, but are not limited to:

• Academic and professional lectures, seminars, and speaker programs;
• Capacity-building workshops and training programs;
• Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances, and exhibitions
• Professional, cultural, and academic exchanges, partnerships, and programs including research collaboration; and
• English language programs.

 Proposed programs should address one or more of the following objectives:

• Advancing democratic values through the promotion of human rights, civil society, freedom of expression, press freedom, disability rights, and good governance;
• Promoting inclusive economic growth through innovation and entrepreneurship, promote economic opportunities and empowerment of underserved communities and youth, and explore the benefits of expanded trading opportunities between the United States and Bangladesh;
• Increasing opportunities for Bangladeshi youth from historically marginalized communities (e.g., indigenous, LGBTQIA+, religious minorities, etc.); and
• Increasing resilience to disinformation and misinformation through media literacy, fact checking, professional and technical training, and innovative awareness campaigns. 

  
Participants and target audiences include, but are not limited to:

•  Youth and rising leaders (high school and university-level students and entry-level young professionals);
• Civil society leaders and non-governmental organizations including grassroots activists, organizers, and community-based and minority-serving organizations;
• Journalists, social media influencers, and bloggers;
• Business leaders and entrepreneurs;
• Established opinion leaders, including cultural and/or educational institution administrators, educators, and government officials; and
• Leaders and organizations supporting underserved communities living outside of Dhaka.

Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization.

Proposals will be reviewed on a rolling basis as they are received, with three intermediate deadlines:

• 1st Deadline: December 31, 2022;
• 2nd Deadline: March 31, 2023; and
• 3rd Deadline: June 30, 2023. Proposals are due no later than 11:59 pm (Bangladesh Standard Time) of each rolling deadlines.

Therefore, early submission is encouraged.