The Philippine Embassy in Dhaka, in collaboration with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Foreign Service Institute (FSI), hosted a Book Donation and Turn Over Ceremony at the American International University Bangladesh (AIUB). The event featured the donation of over 80 Filipiniana books and 100 copies of "Sleepless in Dhaka and Other Poems "by Ambassador Leo Tito L. Ausan, Jr. to the AIUB library’s Philippine Corner.
The event was attended by AIUB's Board of Trustee member \and the Philippines' very own Dr. Carmen Z. Lamagna and was organized by AIUB's resident Filipino faculty, Ms. Rani Ellen V. Ramos. The program included opening remarks by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Saiful Islam and a message from Ambassador Leo T. Ausan, Jr. It also showcased the video adaptation of Ambassador Ausan’s poem, as well as videos about AIUB and Philippine tourism and cultural heritage. The event concluded with closing remarks by the Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Md. Abdur Rahman, followed by a formal book donation and turnover ceremony.
This initiative highlights the Philippine Embassy’s dedication to fostering cultural ties and promoting Philippine literature and heritage in Bangladesh. The donated books, including Ambassador Ausan's collection of poems, are valuable resources for students and scholars to further enhance their understanding of Filipino culture.
In his message, Ambassador Ausan stated, "Literature is a bridge that connects people and cultures. Through these books, we hope to share the richness of Philippine history, arts, and traditions with our Bangladeshi friends and partners."
The collaboration with AIUB is part of the Embassy’s broader effort to promote cultural awareness and appreciation through educational and literary exchanges, strengthening the bonds of friendship and mutual understanding between the Philippines and Bangladesh.