Milon sees new era in Bangladesh-Pakistan academic cooperation

Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon on Monday said the “Pakistan-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor” initiative is expected to create a new chapter of academic cooperation and research collaboration between the two countries.

Speaking at the launch of the second phase of the programme and the inauguration of the “Education Expo-2026” at a hotel in Dhaka, the minister said the initiative would strengthen bilateral relations through expanded opportunities in higher education, student exchange and academic partnerships.

According to Milon, 74 Bangladeshi students are already studying in Pakistan under the first phase of the programme. He expressed optimism that the second phase would create further opportunities for talented students seeking quality higher education abroad.

The minister praised the academic standards of Pakistani universities and noted that Bangladeshi students are receiving the chance to pursue higher studies there without tuition costs.

He also highlighted the importance of monthly stipends provided for accommodation and living expenses, saying such support would allow students to focus more on academic excellence.

Milon said Bangladesh and Pakistan share similarities in culture, food habits and religious traditions, which could help strengthen people-to-people connections through educational exchanges.

Referring to Bangladesh’s growing higher education sector, he noted that the country currently has 116 private and 57 public universities. He expressed hope that Pakistani students would also choose Bangladesh as a destination for higher studies in the future.

The minister also emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between universities of the two countries, including joint research initiatives and teacher exchange programmes.

Among others present at the event were Pakistan High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Haider, Education Secretary Abdul Khaleque, representatives of Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission and senior officials from the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh.