DU Correspondent

A ‘Applied Democracy Lab’ has been established for the first time at Dhaka University with the aim of creating awareness on democratic practices, democratic values and human rights and conducting basic research activities.

Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan inaugurated this lab as the chief guest at the Faculty of Social Sciences building today, Tuesday. This lab has been established with the support of the US donor agency USAID and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES).

It is worth noting that through the ‘Applied Democracy Lab’, students will get the opportunity to research on various aspects of democracy, human rights and good governance. Through research in this lab, students will also be able to acquire skills in various practical subjects including teaching and learning methods, human rights, crisis management, peace and harmony, and democracy practice. Which will play a helpful role in creating future leaders. It is expected that this lab will also make an effective contribution in developing students as skilled human resources.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by the presence of Professor Mrs. Rasheda Irshad Nasir, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Dhaka University, Dr. Taniel Bedia Taishy, Country Director of the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) Bangladesh, and Reed Ashliman, Mission Director of USAID Bangladesh. Mohammad Ainul Islam, Director of the Applied Democracy Lab and Associate Professor of the Department of Political Science, moderated the program.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan said that democracy is not just a matter of study, it is a matter of practice. In this time of crisis in Bangladesh, only the youth can strengthen democracy and help in reforms.

IFES Country Director Dr. Taniel Bedia Taishy called on the young generation of Bangladesh to contribute to the practice of democracy everywhere.

Reed Ashliman, Mission Director of USAID Bangladesh, praised Dhaka University's initiative in establishing the Democracy Lab and said that USAID's support for democracy practice and development will continue.