Pakistan, Bangladesh discuss boosting educational cooperation

Pakistan High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Haider met with Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr ABM Obaidul Islam on Tuesday to discuss enhancing educational cooperation between the two countries.

The meeting, held at the vice-chancellor’s office, focused on promoting research collaboration and faculty and student exchange programmes.

The high commissioner briefed the vice-chancellor on the keen interest shown by Bangladeshi students in the Allama Iqbal Scholarships offered under the Pakistan-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor initiative.

Both sides agreed that education remained one of the strongest foundations for building mutual understanding, fostering collaboration and strengthening the longstanding ties between the peoples of Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Later, Imran Haider and Prof Obaidul Islam jointly inaugurated a computer lab sponsored by the Pakistan High Commission and renovated classroom facilities at the Urdu Department of Dhaka University.

Speaking at the event, Prof Obaidul Islam said the Urdu Department, established on 1 July 1921, was one of the university’s oldest and most traditional departments.

For more than a century, the department has made significant contributions to the study of language, literature and culture, he said, appreciating the high commission’s contribution to the development of the department.

Imran Haider said the initiative reflected the shared commitment of the two countries to advancing education, promoting cultural ties and investing in the future of young people.

He thanked Dhaka University for preserving and nurturing its Urdu Department, describing it as a testament to the university’s commitment to linguistic diversity, literary scholarship and cultural exchange.

The high commissioner wished the faculty members and students continued success in their academic pursuits and expressed confidence that educational and cultural cooperation between Pakistan and Bangladesh would continue to grow.

Faculty of Arts Dean Prof Md Abul Kalam Sarkar attended the event as the special guest.

Urdu Department Chairman Associate Prof Md Ghulam Maula, Urdu Department Professor Muhammad Ghulam Rabbani and Pakistan High Commission Deputy High Commissioner Mohammad Wasif were also present.