The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Economic Relations Division (ERD) of the Government of Bangladesh have signed an agreement for a $5.9 million project to launch the country’s first PhD program in nursing education. The agreement, called the Record of Discussions (RoD), was signed on August 31, 2025, at the ERD office in Dhaka.
The agreement was signed by Jihoon Kim Country Director KOICA Bangladesh Office and Mirana Mahrukh Additional Secretary, Wing Chief, Asia and JEC, F&F, Economic Relations Division. Officials from KOICA, the Medical Education and Family Welfare Division (MEFWD), Directorate General of Nursing Midwifery (DGNM), and ERD were present at the ceremony, which highlighted the strong commitment of both countries to improving healthcare and education.
This landmark project aims to elevate nursing education and healthcare in Bangladesh by establishing advanced postgraduate study and research opportunities. It will enhance the capacity of nursing faculty through training programs, modernize education and research facilities, and introduce new academic resources. A key part of the project is the promotion of international collaboration, including the creation of a regional nursing journal.
The project builds on the successes of the previous phase of KOICA’s support, which helped establish the National Institute of Advanced Nursing Education and Research (NIANER) and launched the country’s first master’s degree program in nursing. This has led to a rapid increase in the number of nursing master’s programs across Bangladesh, significantly improving the quality of nursing education and creating new opportunities for students.
Jihoon Kim, Country Director of KOICA Bangladesh, said, “KOICA is honored to support Bangladesh in realizing its vision for advanced nursing education and research. By launching the country’s first PhD program in nursing, this project is building the future leadership needed to transform healthcare and education.”
Mirana Mahrukh, Wing Chief of ERD, emphasized the importance of the project, stating, “The establishment of the first PhD program in nursing education will significantly enhance academic and research excellence in the country, while also improving the quality of healthcare services for our people.”
KOICA has been a long-standing partner of Bangladesh, supporting various sectors including health, education, and rural development. This agreement represents another milestone in their ongoing collaboration to promote sustainable development and human resource capacity building in Bangladesh.
