Bangladesh has opened new doors of opportunity for Pakistani youth by announcing 500 scholarships for brilliant students. The initiative is aimed at building closer relations between the two neighboring countries while encouraging academic and cultural exchange.
The announcement was made during high-level discussions in Lahore where Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif welcomed Bangladesh’s Minister for Religious Affairs, Dr. Khalid Hussain. The meeting was also attended by PML-N President Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, H.E. MD Iqbal Hussain Khan.
During the talks, both sides expressed interest in strengthening ties beyond education. Maryam Nawaz praised Bangladesh’s achievements in key areas such as the garment industry, microfinance, and women’s empowerment.
She stressed that Punjab is eager to work with Dhaka in fields like renewable energy, flood prevention, and sustainable agriculture to address regional challenges together.
Nawaz Sharif also highlighted the shared history between Pakistan and Bangladesh. He remembered national hero MM Alam with respect and acknowledged the remarkable economic progress Bangladesh has achieved in recent years. He emphasized that the two nations can grow stronger through mutual trust and cooperation.
In response, Dr. Khalid Hussain expressed his gratitude and admired the leadership role of both Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz in promoting welfare and development.
He assured that Bangladesh is committed to deepening its friendship with Pakistan and sees education as a bridge to connect future generations.
High Commissioner MD Iqbal Hussain Khan added that many young people in Bangladesh view Pakistan’s past achievements with admiration, especially in science and technology. He appreciated Punjab’s welfare initiatives and described them as a model of service to the people.
The scholarship program is being seen as a step toward creating long-lasting partnerships between the two countries with education acting as the foundation for stronger regional ties.
