ISLAMABAD, June 27 (TNF): A significant chapter in regional academic cooperation was written as a high-level delegation from Bangladesh concluded a week-long visit to Pakistan, resulting in the signing of over 20 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with leading universities and industry partners. The visit, organised by the OIC Ministerial Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH), took place from June 16 to 21 and is seen as a major boost to educational and research collaboration between the two nations.
The seven-member delegation, comprising vice chancellors and senior officials from top Bangladeshi universities, visited premier institutions in Islamabad, Lahore, and Murree, including members of the COMSTECH Consortium of Excellence (CCoE). The MoUs signed during the visit cover a broad spectrum of initiatives aimed at strengthening academic and research linkages. These include faculty and student exchanges, joint research projects, academic partnerships, knowledge sharing, scientific conferences, and PhD fee waivers for Bangladeshi students at partner institutions in Pakistan.
A key highlight of the visit was the agreement with Gourmet Foods, one of Pakistan’s major industrial groups, to provide industrial internships for Bangladeshi students. This initiative is expected to enhance practical learning opportunities and promote closer ties between academia and industry.
The delegation was warmly received at various receptions hosted by dignitaries including Dr Chaudhary Abdul Rehman, Chairman of the Association of Private Sector Universities of Pakistan (APSUP); H.E. Md. Iqbal Hussain Khan, Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to Pakistan; and Prof Dr Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General of COMSTECH. These interactions provided an opportunity for dialogue on future cooperation in science, technology, and higher education.
Describing the visit as historic and productive, the Bangladeshi delegation praised the hospitality of their hosts and commended COMSTECH’s efforts in facilitating the mission. They also welcomed the announcement of 100 fully funded scholarships for Bangladeshi students, offered in partnership with the University of Lahore.
This successful visit reflects COMSTECH’s ongoing work to promote scientific, technological, and educational advancement across OIC member states and underscores the deepening bonds between Pakistan and Bangladesh in higher education.
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