DHAKA: Democracy International (DI) kicked off its fourth political fellowship program on Monday consisting of 25 mid-level political leaders.

This is the first all female class of fellows consisting of 25 mid-level political leaders and it will continue till September 2014, said a press release.

The news release said through this program they would receive different kinds of training--IT, media, advocacy, good governance, ethics, preventing political violence, and research-- which will aid in the development of their political careers.

In addition, over the next six months the fellows will work for their political party in their home district.

Addressing the program, Democracy International Deputy Chief of Party Dicky Dooradi said, “DI is very excited to announce our first fellowship class made up of entirely women.”

The deputy chief added: “DI is committed to promoting and supporting young women in the political process in Bangladesh. This program will provide the fellows with lifelong skills that will aid them in their future political careers.”

Democracy International (DI) is an international organization implementing Democratic Participation and Reform, a five-year long democracy and governance project funded jointly by USAID and UK aid. DPR has three objectives: to increase grassroots participation, enhance information access and utilization, and improve the environment for responsive politics.

To create opportunities for young party leaders to employ their political leadership skills, Democracy International (DI) Bangladesh runs a six-month fellowship program with partner political parties. These fellowships help develop a new generation of accomplished young party managers, and strengthen the role of youth and women in their party’s leadership structures by providing opportunities for party officials and young leaders to work together.

The Fellowships are intended to create more space for young party members to exercise leadership skills and to attract talented young Bangladeshis to careers in politics.

BDST: 1615 HRS, APR 10, 2014