The EMK Center, founded in 2012, is a non-partisan platform dedicated to open conversation, informed action, individual and artistic expression, and personal and professional growth. The JAAGO Foundation has been associated with the EMK Center as its managing partner and the American Center of the Embassy of the United States of America in Bangladesh. It has been developed as a non-partisan platform to commemorate the public, cultural, and diplomatic interaction between the United States and Bangladesh.
Its aim is to engage, inspire, connect, and empower citizens of all ages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds to improve themselves, their communities, and the world.
Senator Edward M. Kennedy of the United States planted a banyan tree on the campus of the University of Dhaka in February 1972 as a monument to friendship, resilience, and hope.
From the moment I stepped foot in the Edward M. Kennedy Center and saw the quote on the wall from him, I knew it was a special American Space. The staff, the design, the engaging programs, the energy and the innovation are all top-notch. It feels like stepping into America in the middle of Dhaka. I was blessed to be able to visit and connect with Bangladeshis in this spectacular space that is trying to make the world better one conversation at a time.
Mark Burrell
Regional Public Engagement Specialist (REPS) for South Asia (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Maldives)
This is a very real personal privilege for me to come to Bangladesh and walk into the Edward M. Kennedy Center. I know that Ted Kennedy holds a very special place in the history of Bangladesh and in the hearts of its people, of you. And the reasons for that are because he was very much a visionary and very clear about his support for the independence of your country back in 1971. And I knew Teddy for many, many years. I first met him when I was 18 years old, fresh out of high school, and I worked all summer – for free, I might add – to try to help get Ted Kennedy elected to the United States Senate in 1962. And it was his first race. He was running to fill the seat of President John F. Kennedy. His brother had just been elected president two years earlier.
John Kerry
United States Secretary of State (2013 to 2017)
One of my favorite quotes – and I saw it when I was in Dhaka just a couple of weeks ago – is a quote from Senator Edward M. Kennedy that’s on the EMK Center in Dhaka, and that is that “Our relationship is not just government-to-government, but it’s people-to-people, citizen-to-citizen, and friend-to-friend.” And I hope that in my tenure, that I can underscore that.
Nisha Desai Biswal
Former Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs
My hope is that Edward M. Kennedy Center for Public Service and the Arts will foster greater mutual understanding between the U.S. and Bangladesh.
Lauren Lovelace
Former Director of the American Center, Dhaka
Membership of the American Spaces can help you earn annual access to the American Spaces in Bangladesh. We are committed to expose you to an astronomical amount of resources: from stunning art exhibitions to exciting policy discussion to world-class training/workshops. Most importantly, you will be a part of our vital mission of preparing Bangladeshi and Americans for shared growth together.
We are always eager to hear from you! Whether you want to talk about a program or our facility, we are only a CLICK away!
Visit EMK Center
Address: Level: 6 | GRAND DELVISTAA | CES(A) 1A | Road 113 Gulshan Ave | DHAKA 1212
Phone: +8809606513103 | +8801926666995
Email: info@emkcenter.org
Website: www.emkcenter.org