UGC, Pakistan HEC keen to expand higher education cooperation

The Bangladesh University Grants Commission (UGC) and Pakistan's Higher Education Commission (HEC) have expressed interest in expanding cooperation in higher education, research, faculty and student exchanges, and institutional capacity building.

The two sides also reached a policy-level agreement to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) soon to strengthen collaboration between higher education institutions in the two countries.

The issues were discussed during a courtesy meeting between UGC Chairman Prof Mamun Ahmed and Pakistan High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Haider at the UGC headquarters on Tuesday.

The meeting was attended by UGC members Prof Md Saidur Rahman, Prof Masuma Habib, Prof Mohammad Ayub Islam, and Prof Abdullah-Al-Mamun, as well as Pakistan's Deputy High Commissioner Mohammad Wasif and other officials.

The discussion focused on launching faculty and student exchange programmes, facilitating academic exchanges for at least one semester, organising joint training for teachers and university officials, promoting collaborative research, and expanding innovation initiatives.

Both sides also discussed cooperation in science and technology education, research management, modernising university administration, improving international university rankings, and sharing Pakistan's experience with its knowledge corridor programme. 

They also expressed optimism about undertaking joint projects in the higher education sector.

Prof Mamun Ahmed said the government has taken the initiative to transform the UGC into a Higher Education Commission, adding that Pakistan's long experience in operating its HEC could provide valuable support in the process.

He said opportunities for joint work with Pakistan's HEC and universities in research, innovation, and university governance would further enrich the higher education sector in both countries.

High Commissioner Imran Haider said around 3,800 Bangladeshi students have applied for higher education in Pakistan this year, submitting their applications through centres in Dhaka, Chattogram, and four other locations.

He said Pakistani universities offer scholarships for international students, as well as accommodation, meals, and transportation facilities.

Haider also said that during his recent meeting with Bangladesh's prime minister, the education sector was identified as one of the key areas of bilateral cooperation.

He expressed hope that stronger university-level collaboration would benefit both countries by promoting research, innovation, and the development of skilled human resources.