Interview with Abu Tayeb Rafiqur Rahman, August 24, 2021

Partial Transcript: I am Dr. A.T.R. Rahman from Bangladesh. I--[audio drops out]--associated with Peace Corps Volunteers in 1961 when the first group in the country, East Pakistan I, began their service at the Academy for Rural Development, Comilla, in what is now Bangladesh.

Segment Synopsis: Peace Corps Volunteers were first sent to East Pakistan in 1961. Rahman was a counterpart to the group of Volunteers from this cohort who were assigned to the Academy for Rural Development in Comilla. Rahman acknowledges the unique contributions made by Volunteers to the socioeconomic development of the surrounding communities where they served. Rahman's association with the Peace Corps contributed to his graduate study at Duke University and to attaining a senior position at the Canadian Development Research Center and with the United Nations. Rahman has maintained on-going association with the Peace Corps as exemplified by the Volunteer Association of Bangladesh, of which he has been president. Returned Peace Corps Volunteers have contributed to this charity in various ways.

Keywords: Budgets; Career paths; Children; Comilla (Bangladesh); Comilla (East Pakistan); Contact; Contributions; Counterparts; Duke University; Graduate schools; Host country nationals; Jobs; Peace Corps counterparts; Returned Peace Corps Volunteers; Rural areas; Special occasions; Study abroad; Support

Subjects: Bangladesh; Canada; Charities; East Pakistan; Finance; Non-governmental organizations; Nonprofit organizations; Peace Corps (U.S.); Peace Corps (U.S.)--1960-1970; Peace Corps (U.S.)--Bangladesh; Peace Corps (U.S.)--East Pakistan; Research; United Nations; Universities and colleges

Partial Transcript: Hello. I'm Florence "Kiki" McCarthy. I am, uh, originally an East Pakistan I Peace Corps Volunteer in 1961 to '63 in, uh, East Pakistan. I am interviewing, uh, today Dr. A.T.R. Rahman. Today is the 24th of August 2021.

Segment Synopsis: Rahman was a counterpart of McCarthy when McCarthy was a Volunteer in Comilla. Rahman describes the purpose of the Academy where he and McCarthy were assigned. After working at the Academy for 4 years, Rahman went on to earn a Ph.D. at Duke University. Rahman has become a distinguished scholar and humanitarian and has held various positions, including working for the United Nations.

Keywords: Accomplishments; Comilla (Bangladesh); Comilla (East Pakistan); Dhaka University; Duke University; Graduate schools; Host country nationals; Jobs; Peace Corps counterparts; Sargent Shriver; Site visits; Study abroad

Subjects: Bangladesh; Canada; East Pakistan; Education, Higher; Non-governmental organizations; Nonprofit organizations; Pakistan; Peace Corps (U.S.); Peace Corps (U.S.)--1960-1970; Peace Corps (U.S.)--Bangladesh; Peace Corps (U.S.)--East Pakistan; Teaching; United Nations; Universities and colleges

Partial Transcript: What, what contributions do you think the Peace Corps Volunteers made to the on-going programs and activities of the Academy?

Segment Synopsis: Rahman says the arrival of the Volunteers brought vibrancy, excitement, and curiosity among the local officials and people. Rahman recognizes the role of the Volunteers in uniting the rural people in undertaking projects and re-defining their role in society. Volunteers continued to make positive, significant contributions to life in East Pakistan.

Keywords: Activities; Attitudes; Changes; Deaths; Excited; Improvements; Local people; Locals; Rural areas; Wars

Subjects: Bangladesh; East Pakistan; Emotions; India; Lifestyles; Peace Corps (U.S.); Peace Corps (U.S.)--Bangladesh; Peace Corps (U.S.)--East Pakistan; Voluntarism; Volunteers; World politics

Partial Transcript: And, over, over the years, A.T.R., in what ways have you kept contact with, uh, ex-Peace Corps Volunteers?

Segment Synopsis: Rahman has maintained contact with former Volunteers through friendship, reunions, travel to the U.S., and former Volunteers' continuing involvement supporting projects in Bangladesh.

Keywords: Comilla (Bangladesh); Comilla (East Pakistan); Friends; Returned Peace Corps Volunteers; Traveling

Subjects: Bangladesh; East Pakistan; International travel; Interpersonal relations; Peace Corps (U.S.); Peace Corps (U.S.)--1960-1970; Peace Corps (U.S.)--Bangladesh; Peace Corps (U.S.)--East Pakistan

Partial Transcript: Very briefly, what, what is the V.A.B.?

Segment Synopsis: Rahman describes the Volunteer Association of Bangladesh.

Keywords: Commitments; Contributions; Deaths; Education; Empowerment; Funding; High schools; Returned Peace Corps Volunteers; Rural areas; Supplies; Volunteer Association of Bangladesh (VAB)

Subjects: Finance; Non-governmental organizations; Nonprofit organizations; Peace Corps (U.S.); Peace Corps (U.S.)--Bangladesh; Peace Corps (U.S.)--East Pakistan; Tutors and tutoring; Voluntarism; Volunteers

Partial Transcript: I have never been associated with any group like the Peace Corps. Peace Corps is so close to my heart, you know.

Segment Synopsis: Rahman again expresses his appreciation to the Volunteers.

Keywords: Effects; Family; Impact

Subjects: Emotions; Interpersonal relations; Peace Corps (U.S.); Peace Corps (U.S.)--Bangladesh; Peace Corps (U.S.)--East Pakistan; Voluntarism; Volunteers