Special Correspondent: Pakistan and the University of Dhaka (DU) have taken another step toward expanding bilateral academic cooperation, with both sides expressing a shared commitment to strengthening education, research and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

The commitment came during a meeting between Pakistan High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Haider and Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. A. B. M. Obaidul Islam at the university on Tuesday.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to enhance educational cooperation through joint research, faculty collaboration and student exchange programmes. They also reviewed opportunities to promote stronger institutional links between academic communities in Bangladesh and Pakistan.

A key focus of the discussions was the growing interest among Bangladeshi students in the Allama Iqbal Scholarships, offered under the Pakistan–Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor initiative. The High Commissioner said the scholarship programme is attracting increasing attention from students seeking higher education opportunities in Pakistan.

Both sides agreed that education remains one of the most effective means of strengthening mutual understanding, expanding people-to-people contacts and fostering long-term cooperation between Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Following the meeting, the High Commissioner and the Vice-Chancellor jointly inaugurated a newly established computer laboratory and renovated classroom facilities at the Urdu Department of Dhaka University. The facilities were sponsored by the Pakistan High Commission.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Islam highlighted the historical significance of the university`s Urdu Department, describing it as one of the institution`s oldest academic departments. Established on July 1, 1921, the department has played an important role in the study of language, literature and culture for more than a century, he said.

The Vice-Chancellor appreciated the Pakistan High Commission`s support for improving the department`s academic infrastructure, expressing hope that the new facilities would benefit both teachers and students.

High Commissioner Imran Haider said the initiative reflects the shared commitment of Bangladesh and Pakistan to investing in education and strengthening cultural and academic ties. He also commended the University of Dhaka for preserving its Urdu Department, describing it as an important centre for linguistic diversity, literary scholarship and cultural exchange.

He expressed optimism that educational and cultural cooperation between the two countries would continue to expand in the years ahead and wished the department`s faculty members and students’ success in their academic pursuits.

The latest initiative is expected to further strengthen institutional collaboration between the University of Dhaka and Pakistani academic institutions while creating new opportunities for students, researchers and educators from both countries.