Bangladesh and Pakistan have agreed on an educational initiative allowing Bangladeshi students to pursue higher studies in Pakistan under scholarships, the government announced.
The first phase of the programme will enroll 500 Bangladeshi students in universities across Pakistan. These students will receive fully funded placements in undergraduate programmes across multiple cities.
The selection process attracted a large number of candidates. Entrance tests were conducted under the Higher Education Commission (HEC) in Chittagong, Dhaka, and Rajshahi.
The initiative has been named the Allama Iqbal Scholarship, honoring the famous poet and philosopher. Officials said the programme reflects strong educational and cultural ties between the two countries.
Authorities highlighted that the scholarships will not only cover tuition but also provide living stipends and accommodation, making higher education more accessible to talented Bangladeshi students.
In addition to educational cooperation, Bangladesh and Pakistan are set to resume direct flights after more than a decade. Biman Bangladesh Airlines will operate the first Dhaka–Karachi flight on January 29.
The new route will run twice weekly, marking the first regular flights since 2012. Airline manager Bosra Islam said, “We are relaunching the Dhaka–Karachi route with two weekly flights.”
Officials hope that the scholarship programme, combined with restored flight connectivity, will strengthen people-to-people ties and educational exchange. Students will benefit from exposure to different academic environments and cultural experiences in Pakistan.
Experts believe that these scholarships may also encourage collaborative research and foster regional cooperation in science, technology, and humanities.
The initiative is seen as a milestone in Bangladesh–Pakistan relations, demonstrating a renewed focus on educational partnerships and youth development through accessible scholarships.
The Allama Iqbal Scholarship programme is now open for applications, with authorities urging eligible students to submit their documents before the deadline.
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