The first-ever Bangladesh Medical Education Expo 2025 was held on Sunday at the Barceló Nasandhura Hotel in Malé, marking a new milestone in education cooperation and public diplomacy between Bangladesh and the Maldives.
The high-level event, organised with the support of the Bangladesh High Commission in the Maldives, was described as the largest education-focused exhibition ever held in the island nation, according to a press release issued by the High Commission.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Maldives State Minister of Health Aminath Shurna as the chief guest, while State Minister of Higher Education, Labour, and Skills Development Dr Abdul Raheem Hassan joined as the special guest.
Representing Bangladesh, Bangladesh High Commissioner to the Maldives Dr S M Nazmul Islam, Directorate General of Medical Education Director General Professor Nazmul Hosain, and Ministry of Health Joint Secretary Mallika Khatun were present. A delegation from the Bangladesh Private Medical College Association also took part in the event.
In his remarks, High Commissioner Dr S M Nazmul Islam described the expo as a practical reflection of his “Power of Bonding” concept, saying mutual trust and shared values underpin the Bangladesh–Maldives relationship. He highlighted several advantages for Maldivian students seeking medical education in Bangladesh, including the opportunity to complete MBBS studies and internships in the same clinical environment without language barriers.
He also noted that the Bangladesh government offers seven fully funded scholarships, including one for dental studies, for Maldivian students at government medical colleges, while private medical colleges provide internationally recognised medical education at comparatively lower costs.
Director General of Medical Education Professor Nazmul Hosain pointed to the strong cultural and religious similarities between the two countries, saying Bangladesh, as a Muslim-majority nation, offers a safe, hospitable, and comfortable learning environment for Maldivian students.
A 25-member delegation representing 15 leading private medical colleges from Bangladesh participated in the expo, showcasing MBBS programmes, modern facilities, and clinical training modules.
The event drew a large number of Maldivian students and parents. Several Maldivian doctors who graduated from Bangladesh were also present and shared their academic and professional experiences, helping to boost confidence among prospective students.
Maldives State Minister of Health Aminath Shurna said she would encourage Maldivian students to pursue medical education in Bangladesh, recalling the long-standing friendly relations between the two countries. She also expressed interest in organising further joint initiatives with the Bangladesh High Commission in the future.
