First American Founders Museum launches in Dhaka

The first American Founders Museum was inaugurated in Dhaka today (29 April), bringing the story of America's independence to Bangladesh.

US Ambassador Brent T Christensen formally opened the museum at the Edward M Kennedy Centre in the capital's Gulshan area.

The initiative, developed in collaboration with the US Department of Education and PragerU, highlights the ideas, people, and events that shaped American independence.

Speaking at the inauguration, the ambassador said, "I'm happy to be with you all to inaugurate our first Founders Museum, a way to step into independent history like never before."

The envoy said, "I really believe that the ideas and the story of America's independence will also resonate here in Bangladesh."

The museum offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the men and women whose courage, conviction and sacrifice made American freedom possible.

"I am looking forward to everybody else learning a little bit more about our history," the envoy added.

Addressing the audience, he said many attendees were alumni of US universities or exchange programmes, noting, "You brought the best ideas of America back to Bangladesh."

He expressed hope that the museum would extend that experience to a wider audience, stating, "We hope the Founders Museum here will help do that for a broader audience."

Highlighting future plans, the ambassador said, "This is the inauguration of the first Founders Museum in Bangladesh. We plan to have Founders Museums and in some cases, some smaller exhibits, both large and small, across the country, across all of Bangladesh this year."

He added, "And one of the real innovations that has come out of this initiative by President Trump is that this museum can be easily replicated."

The envoy also invited attendees to join upcoming events under the Freedom 250 programme, including an event later in the evening and plans to celebrate "America Week" in cities across Bangladesh in early July.

He expressed hope that people would take part in the year-long celebrations of the United States' 250th anniversary, which will continue through December this year.