Pakistan has launched a fully funded scholarship program for 300 Bangladeshi students, signaling a renewed commitment to strengthening ties with Dhaka under Bangladesh’s new administration, state media reported.
The initiative, led by Pakistan’s education ministry, is supported by premier institutions such as the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), COMSATS University, and Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), according to Pakistan Television News. Officials emphasized promoting the program in Bangladesh through targeted events and online platforms to encourage participation.
“The scholarships aim to foster educational exchanges and build deeper cultural connections between the two countries,” PTV News said on Friday.
Pakistan and Bangladesh share a complex history. Both nations were part of a single state established in 1947, but Bangladesh gained independence in 1971 following a violent conflict. Relations have remained strained, particularly during former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s tenure, marked by her administration’s prosecution of Jamaat-e-Islami members for alleged war crimes.
However, relations between the two countries have shown improvement since Hasina’s removal in a student-led uprising in August. Tensions between Dhaka and New Delhi, where Hasina has sought refuge, have also contributed to a shift in Pakistan-Bangladesh ties.
In September, Pakistan’s foreign office expressed its desire for “robust, multifaceted, and friendly relations” with Bangladesh, emphasizing regional peace and stability.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Bangladeshi Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus met in New York during an event celebrating Bangladesh’s 50th year as a member of the United Nations. Both leaders discussed strategies to enhance bilateral cooperation across various sectors.
The scholarship program reflects Islamabad’s intention to deepen ties with Dhaka, focusing on education as a cornerstone for collaboration and mutual growth.
