ISLAMABAD/DHAKA: A new chapter in Pakistan-Bangladesh educational ties unfolded on Monday as the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan launched the second edition of its Higher Education Expos in Dhaka, offering Bangladeshi students a gateway to world-class academic opportunities under the Pakistan-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor.
The first exhibition of the series witnessed enthusiastic participation from 20 prestigious Pakistani universities, with roadshows planned over the next ten days in Barishal, Rajshahi, Sylhet, Chittagong, and Rangpur. The expos are designed to foster academic exchange, joint research, and deeper institutional linkages between the two neighbouring nations.
The Pakistan-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor expands as the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan, along with 20 leading Pakistani universities, launches the second series of Higher Education Expos across Bangladesh, beginning from Dhaka. pic.twitter.com/LguaMgftzd
— HEC Pakistan (@hecpkofficial) May 11, 2026
Bangladesh education minister inaugurates expo
Bangladesh’s Education Minister, Dr. A. N. M. Ehsanul Hoque Milon, inaugurated the Dhaka expo. The ceremony was also attended by Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Imran Haider; HEC Director General Scholarships, Aayesha Ikram; Project Director Mr. Jahanzeb Khan; and other dignitaries.
Speaking at the inauguration, Dr. Milon commended HEC Pakistan and the Pakistan High Commission for their dedicated efforts in bringing the Knowledge Corridor to life. He noted that the initiative is already promoting academic collaboration by creating opportunities for students, faculty, and institutions alike.
“Such engagements will further strengthen bilateral educational relations and people-to-people connection,” Dr. Milon said, urging Bangladeshi students to apply for the Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarships, which he described as a “valuable opportunity for talented students.”
Imran Haider showcased Pakistan’s growing excellence in emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Sciences, and Aviation. He emphasised that the ten-day exhibition series will open doors for research partnerships, joint academic programmes, and scholarly exchanges, beyond just scholarship opportunities.
Scholarships overview and HEC’s commitment
In her welcome remarks, Ms. Aayesha Ikram provided a detailed overview of the Knowledge Corridor initiative, the Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarships, and the diverse academic programmes available at leading Pakistani universities.
She reaffirmed HEC’s commitment to deepening educational cooperation through scholarships, exchanges, and institutional collaborations.
Progress since 2025: First batch already studying in Pakistan
Notably, HEC organised the first series of such exhibitions across Bangladeshi cities in 2025 under the same Knowledge Corridor framework. Through this initiative, the Government of Pakistan, via HEC, is offering 500 fully-funded Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarships for Bangladeshi students to pursue higher education in Pakistan.
The programme also includes training opportunities for Bangladesh’s civil servants.
A major milestone has already been achieved: the first batch of 74 Bangladeshi students has commenced their academic journey at various universities across Pakistan.
These students are currently enrolled in diverse disciplines, including Engineering, Medical Sciences, Computer Science, Cyber Security, and Biological Sciences.
