University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh and the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan have expressed a keen interest in enhancing cooperation in higher education, research, and teacher-student exchange programmes.
To facilitate this, both parties have reached an agreement in principle to soon sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening institutional links between the higher education institutions of the two countries, read a press release.
The consensus was reached during a courtesy call paid by the High Commissioner of Pakistan to Bangladesh, Imran Haider, to UGC Chairman Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed at the UGC office on Tuesday.
The meeting was attended by UGC members Professor Dr Md Saidur Rahman, Professor Dr Masuma Habib, Professor Dr Mohammad Ayub Islam, and Professor Dr Abdullah-al-Mamun, alongside Pakistan’s Deputy High Commissioner Mohammad Wasif and other relevant officials.
During the discussions, both sides emphasised the importance of launching teacher and student exchange programmes, academic exchanges for at least one semester, joint training for the skill development of faculty and staff, research collaboration, and the expansion of innovative activities.
The dialogue also covered cooperation in science and technology education, research management, the modernisation of university administration, progress in international rankings, and sharing experiences from Pakistan’s “Knowledge Corridor” initiative.
Both parties expressed a positive outlook on undertaking joint projects within the higher education sector.
UGC Chairman Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed informed the delegation that the government has initiated moves to transform the UGC into a Higher Education Commission. He noted that the long-standing experience of Pakistan’s HEC could be highly beneficial for Bangladesh in this transition.
He further stated that creating opportunities for joint work in research, innovation, and administrative capacity building would enrich the higher education sectors of both nations.
Pakistan High Commissioner Imran Haider shared that approximately 3,800 students from Bangladesh applied for higher education in Pakistan this year, with applications received from six regions, including Dhaka and Chattogram.
He highlighted that various Pakistani universities offer scholarships to international students, in addition to providing accommodation, food, and transport facilities.
Haider also mentioned that in a recent meeting with the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, the education sector was identified as a crucial area for bilateral cooperation.
He expressed his hope that increased communication and cooperation at the university level would significantly benefit both countries in research, innovation, and the development of skilled human resources.
