Edward M Kennedy Jr, son of late US senator Edward M. Kennedy and nephew of late US president John F Kennedy, will visit Bangladesh from October 29 to November 5 to mark the milestone of the yearlong celebration of the 50th anniversary of US-Bangladesh relations.
The Embassy of the United States of America announced this on Monday, terming it as a ‘historic visit’.
Under the auspices of the US Department of State’s Speakers Program, Mr Kennedy will speak at Dhaka University to commemorate the legacy of his father as a staunch advocate for Bangladesh’s fight for independence.
He will also visit the banyan tree his father planted to symbolise the friendship between the United States and Bangladesh.
As a lawyer and advocate for civil rights of individuals with disabilities, he will also deliver a lecture on disability rights at the Edward M. Kennedy Center for Public Service and the Arts.
During the one-week visit to Bangladesh, the Kennedy family will visit various cultural attractions and meet with civil society representatives, US government-sponsored exchange programme alumni, Bangladeshi government officials, including Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen.
Mr Kennedy will arrive with his family members which include: Dr Katherine “Kiki” Kennedy (wife), Dr. Kiley Kennedy (daughter), Teddy Kennedy (son), Grace Kennedy Allen (niece), and Max Allen (nephew).
A leading healthcare regulatory attorney for over 20 years, Ted helps healthcare clients identify, understand, and navigate the potential business impacts of key federal and state legislative, regulatory, and reimbursement changes, a spokesperson of the Embassy said.
He is also a staunch advocate for the self-determination and civil rights of individuals with disabilities.
“Ted represents many of the foremost healthcare investors and entrepreneurs that are transforming the healthcare delivery system”.
His clients also include corporations seeking ways to modernise their policies and practices relating to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in order to hire more people with disabilities, engage the disability marketplace, and make their organisations more diverse and inclusive.
A pediatric bone cancer survivor and amputee, Ted continues to be an active leader in the movement to expand opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Since June 2017, Ted has served as Chair of the Board of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), one of the country’s preeminent civil rights and public policy organisations dedicated to social reform and equal rights for people with disabilities.
