MM Rahmatullah : Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Hoque Milan on Monday expressed strong optimism that Bangladesh will soon attract a large number of international students, as the government moves to modernize the education system to global standards.

Speaking as chief guest at the Pakistan-Bangladesh Education Expo held at Radisson Blu Hotel in the capital on Monday morning, the minister said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has given top priority to the education sector and directed sweeping reforms to make Bangladeshis competitive globally. "He has placed special emphasis on technical education to equip our youth for international competition,” Dr. Milan said.

“We are working to make Bangladesh’s education system modern and world-class. I hope that, like other countries, a large number of foreign students will come to Bangladesh to study,” the minister stated.

Responding to a question from journalists, Dr. Milan praised Pakistan’s education system as “highly advanced.” “After visiting the stalls of various educational institutions at the expo, I felt as if I had toured all of Pakistan,” he said.

Noting that Pakistan gained independence 79 years ago while Bangladesh became independent 55 years ago, the minister said, “In this period, Pakistan has advanced significantly in education. I hope Pakistani universities will offer full scholarships to our meritorious students so they can study in Pakistan and later return to contribute to building Bangladesh with their knowledge and talent.”

Highlighting the current government’s initiatives, the minister said extensive, time-befitting programs have been undertaken to improve education quality. “We believe these steps will succeed, and InshaAllah, Bangladesh will also see a large influx of foreign students,” he added.

The six-day Pakistan-Bangladesh Education Expo, being held across six divisional cities of Bangladesh, was inaugurated on Monday.

High Commissioner for Pakistan in Bangladesh Imran Haider, Education Secretary Abdul Khaleque, and Director General of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education Prof. Dr. Moinuddin Al Mahmud Sohel, Deputy Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan High Commission Mohammad Wasif, Press Councillor Mr Fasih Ullah, Visa Councillor Athar Hameed Khan along with senior staffs of the High Commission were also presented at the moment.

Vice-chancellors and academics from various public and private universities of both Bangladesh and Pakistan also attended the event. A total of 21 Pakistani universities specializing in science and technology, medical, and agricultural fields are participating in the expo.

The Education Minister toured the stalls, inquired about the institutions, and exchanged views with representatives.