Bangladesh–Pakistan Expand EdTech, Exchange, and Academic Alliances
Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon has said there is significant scope to further expand educational cooperation between Bangladesh and Pakistan. He noted that student and teacher exchange programmes, joint research, and scholarship initiatives between universities in the two countries would strengthen bilateral ties.
As part of this initiative, Pakistan will offer the Fully Funded Scholarship to 125 Bangladeshi students.
The announcement was made by Pakistan’s High Commissioner Imran Haider at the inaugural ceremony of the ‘Pakistan Education Expo-2026’ held on Monday at Radisson Blu Hotel.
Praising the quality of education in Pakistan, the minister expressed optimism that the initiative would not lead to brain drain, but rather contribute to reversing brain drain.
In his address as chief guest, the minister said there is ample opportunity to introduce student and teacher exchange programmes, joint research, and mutual scholarship initiatives between the two countries in the future. He noted that Bangladesh currently has 57 public universities and around 116 private universities, all maintaining standard academic programmes. However, exchange programmes would play a vital role in further strengthening educational relations.
He added that collaborative initiatives and exchange programmes between universities in Bangladesh and Pakistan could be launched in the future. The Bangladesh government also provides various scholarships to meritorious students, but Pakistan’s programme is distinct as it selects eligible candidates through examinations. He expressed hope that more Bangladeshi students would gain access to higher education opportunities in Pakistan.
Addressing Bangladeshi students, he said the opportunity to study in Pakistan free of cost represents a major prospect. In addition to academic learning, students will gain exposure to new experiences and cultural environments, which they should utilize effectively.
High Commissioner Imran Haider said the ‘Pakistan-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor’ initiative is playing an important role in strengthening educational cooperation between the two countries. He noted that during the recent visit of Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister to Bangladesh, 500 scholarships were announced for Bangladeshi students, and the second phase of the programme has now begun.
He added that in the first phase, 74 Bangladeshi students have already begun higher education at various universities in Pakistan. They are studying subjects including engineering, information technology, artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, medical science, social science, and emerging technologies.
He further stated that the scholarships cover full tuition fees, accommodation, monthly stipends, one-time grants, and travel expenses. As a result, Bangladeshi students are able to pursue higher education at both public and private universities in Pakistan free of cost.
The High Commissioner also announced that over the next 10 days, Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission and participating universities will organize education fairs in multiple cities, including Barishal, Rajshahi, Khulna, Sylhet, and Chattogram.
He emphasized the importance of increasing memorandums of understanding (MoUs), joint degree programmes, research collaboration, conferences, and faculty exchange initiatives between universities in the two countries. At the expo, 20 Pakistani universities showcased their offerings, of which 13 are technical and technology-focused institutions. It was also reported that these universities will provide scholarships to 30 students.
DBTech/IH/EK/OR
