By AIT Public Affairs
On 13 January 2025, His Excellency Mr. Faiyaz Murshid Kazi, Ambassador of People’s Republic of Bangladesh to Thailand and member of the AIT Board of Trustees, visited the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) and gifted over 80 books from the Government of Bangladesh to the AIT Library. This thoughtful gesture aims to provide AIT students and academics with deeper insights into the culture, history, and heritage of Bangladesh.
The gifted collection includes books on Bangladesh’s affairs, history, politics, literature, culture, heritage, and cuisine. The ambassador was accompanied by Mr. Saroar Ahmed Saleheen, Counsellor (Economic) and Alternative Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to UNESCAP; Ms. Dayamayee Chakraborty, Counsellor (Political) and Head of Chancery and Mr. Nirjhar Adhikary, Counsellor (Political) and Deputy Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to UNESCAP.
AIT President Prof. Pai-Chi Li expressed gratitude, calling the occasion a celebration of the enduring friendship between Bangladesh and AIT. “These books are more than just a collection—they are a bridge to the rich culture, history, and literature of Bangladesh. At AIT, we are committed to fostering a global learning environment, and this gesture strengthens our shared vision of promoting cross-cultural understanding and collaboration,” he remarked. President Li also emphasized the significance of this gesture from the embassy in symbolizing the mutual commitment to education and friendship. “This event not only reflects our shared goals but also sets the stage for future opportunities for collaboration,” he added.
H.E. Mr. Faiyaz Murshid Kazi highlighted the symbolic nature of the initiative as one of the knowledge sharing initiatives of the embassy. “Since AIT is a multicultural institution with students from various countries, we felt it was important to enrich its library with Bangladeshi publications, reflecting the nation’s vibrant intellectual culture,” he said. The Ambassador reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to fostering academic and cultural collaboration with AIT and other institutions in Thailand. He also acknowledged AIT’s role as a hub for South Asian academics and assured continued support.
The partnership between AIT and the Embassy of Bangladesh has long been marked by successful collaborations in education, research, and capacity-building programs involving various government agencies and universities. With over 100 Bangladeshi students currently enrolled, 1,307 alumni, and more than 4,000 participants in short-term courses and training programs at AIT, the relationship remains of immense importance. This contribution further strengthens the bond between AIT and Bangladesh, reaffirming their shared commitment to education, cultural exchange, and development.
From AIT the event was attended by Prof. Nitin Kumar Tripathi, Acting Vice President for Academic Affairs; Prof. P. Abdul Salam, Dean SERD; Mr. Voravate Chonlasin, Executive Director, AIT Extension; Mr. Karma Rana, Institute Secretary; Dr. Sumana Shrestha, Director, International Affairs, OIPA; Mr. Sanjeet Amatya, Director, Public Affairs, OIPA; Ms. Watcharin Intha, Director, AIT Library; Mr. Fazle Karim, Senior Advisor to Executive Director, AIT Extension; Dr. Zakir Hossain, Program Director / Senior Program Specialist, AIT Extension; Mr. Zia Islam, Executive Assistant to Dean, Coordinator Outreach, Rankings & Accreditation, SOM and Ms. Indra Kumari, Senior Program Officer, International Affairs, OIPA.
The ambassador and the embassy delegates also had a brief library tour after the books hand over event.
Prior to the event, the Ambassador also welcomed the 12 officials from Bangladesh Bank and participated in an interactive session at the “Professional Development Program on Management Skills and Effective Leadership,” organized by AIT Extension. The customized training program is specifically designed for professional bankers at Bangladesh Bank to enhance their knowledge and skills in addressing current and future challenges.
