Scholarship Application Letter Diplomat in Bangladesh Dhaka – Free Word Template Download with AI

Date: October 26, 2023

Selection Committee
Diplomatic Leadership Program
Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BISS)
Foreign Ministry Complex, Dhaka-1000
Bangladesh

Dear Esteemed Selection Committee,

It is with profound respect for Bangladesh's diplomatic legacy and immense enthusiasm for contributing to the nation's global engagement that I submit this application for the full scholarship to the Diplomatic Leadership Program at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BISS) in Dhaka. As a dedicated Bangladeshi student deeply committed to advancing our country's foreign policy interests, I believe this scholarship represents not merely an educational opportunity but a pivotal step toward becoming an effective diplomat serving Bangladesh on the world stage.

Born and raised in Dhaka, I have witnessed firsthand how Bangladesh's diplomatic engagements—from the historic 1971 Liberation War to our current leadership in the Global South and climate diplomacy—have shaped our national identity. My academic journey at Dhaka University's Department of International Relations has been fueled by this passion. Courses such as "Bangladesh Foreign Policy Since Independence" and "International Negotiation Techniques" have equipped me with theoretical frameworks, while internships at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Regional Cooperation Division allowed me to observe practical diplomacy in action within Bangladesh Dhaka's diplomatic hub.

What distinguishes the Diplomatic Leadership Program at BISS is its unique integration of Bangladesh-centric learning with global diplomatic standards. Unlike generic programs abroad, this initiative immerses students in Dhaka's actual foreign policy ecosystem—providing direct access to policymakers at the Foreign Ministry, participation in simulated UN Security Council sessions modeled after Bangladesh's recent presidency of the OIC, and fieldwork addressing current challenges like India-Bangladesh water-sharing negotiations and Rohingya refugee diplomacy. I am particularly drawn to how the program leverages Dhaka's strategic location as a nexus for ASEAN, SAARC, and BRICS dialogues—a geographic advantage no other institution can replicate.

My academic record reflects this commitment: I graduated with First Class honors (CGPA 3.8/4.0) while actively participating in Dhaka-based initiatives such as the "Youth Diplomacy Forum" organized by the Bangladesh Foreign Policy Society, where I co-authored a policy brief on digital diplomacy for small states that was presented to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During my semester abroad at National University of Singapore, I focused on ASEAN-Bangladesh economic integration—a topic directly relevant to Dhaka's current diplomatic priorities. These experiences have solidified my understanding that effective diplomacy must be rooted in local context; a "Diplomat" trained without Dhaka's perspective risks operating in an intellectual vacuum.

Financial considerations present the primary barrier to my full participation. While I possess academic merit and institutional support, Bangladesh's economic realities necessitate scholarship assistance for such specialized training. The Diplomatic Leadership Program’s fee structure, though modest compared to Western alternatives, remains challenging for a middle-class family from Dhaka's Mohammadpur neighborhood. This scholarship would liberate me from financial burdens, allowing me to fully dedicate myself to mastering the nuances of Bangladesh’s diplomatic strategy—particularly our "Friendship Beyond Borders" initiative that requires culturally attuned practitioners.

I envision my service as a future diplomat extending beyond formal negotiations. Having volunteered with the Dhaka-based NGO "Bridge Builders," I understand how grassroots diplomacy strengthens national image. My proposed post-program contribution includes developing a community engagement framework for consulates in Dhaka, building upon the city's existing diplomatic infrastructure to foster people-to-people ties—such as collaborating with Chittagong’s maritime diplomacy unit on blue economy initiatives. This aligns perfectly with BISS's mandate of "diplomacy that serves Bangladesh and the world."

The significance of this scholarship transcends personal ambition. As Bangladesh emerges as a key player in global climate governance (evident in our leadership at COP27 and the UNFCCC) and an emerging hub for South-South cooperation, we urgently need diplomats who understand Dhaka's unique perspective—its blend of Islamic heritage, Bengali cultural identity, and pragmatic statecraft. My training under this program will directly support national priorities: enhancing Bangladesh’s influence in multilateral forums like the UN Security Council (where we hold a non-permanent seat) and advancing the "Digital Bangladesh" agenda through diplomatic channels.

I have attached my academic transcripts, letters of recommendation from Professors at Dhaka University and Foreign Ministry officials, and documentation of my community service. I respectfully request an opportunity to discuss how my background—rooted in Dhaka's educational institutions and diplomatic milieu—aligns with the program’s vision. As a native son of Bangladesh Dhaka who has witnessed our diplomats' quiet resilience during crises from the 2020 Rohingya negotiations to the recent India-Bangladesh border demarcation, I am prepared to dedicate myself fully to this transformative training.

In closing, I echo Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's vision that "Bangladesh’s diplomacy must be a bridge between nations and a beacon for developing countries." This scholarship is the keystone in building that bridge. With your support, I will return to Dhaka as an empowered Diplomat ready to serve not just my country but the global community with integrity, insight, and unshakeable commitment to Bangladesh's principles.

Thank you for considering my application. I am available at your earliest convenience for an interview in Dhaka and welcome any opportunity to further discuss this critical investment in Bangladesh’s diplomatic future.

Sincerely,

Md. Arif Rahman
B.A. (Hons.) in International Relations
University of Dhaka
Mobile: +88017XXX-XXXX
Email: [email protected]

Word Count: 832

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