Dhaka University (DU) has officially reversed its ban on admitting Pakistani students. This move, approved during a syndicate meeting chaired by Vice-Chancellor Professor Niaz Ahmad Khan on November 13, 2024, signals a significant shift toward fostering academic and cultural collaboration between Bangladesh and Pakistan.
Historic Policy Reversal
The ban, imposed in December 2015 under the tenure of then-Vice-Chancellor Professor AAMS Arefin Siddique, had cut all academic ties with Pakistan. This included prohibitions on admitting Pakistani students, participating in academic exchanges, and engaging with Pakistani institutions. The ban stemmed from strained diplomatic relations and Pakistan’s refusal to acknowledge the 1971 genocide during Bangladesh’s Liberation War.
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At the time, Prof. Siddique declared, “As long as they do not accept the genocide and atrocities, this institution would have no association with them.” The restriction reflected the historical and political tensions that have long influenced Bangladesh-Pakistan relations.
Decision Driven by Academic Priorities
DU’s leadership emphasized that the policy shift is entirely rooted in academic considerations, steering clear of political entanglements. Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Admin) Prof Sayma Haque Bidisha stated, “This is about academic cooperation, not political dialogue.” She further explained that while ties with Pakistan were previously severed, the university recognized its responsibility to facilitate opportunities for students.
“Many of our students need to visit Pakistan for scholarships or academic conferences. We resolved this issue through discussion to restore normal relations,” she said. The university’s renewed approach highlights the importance of providing its students and faculty with access to a broader academic network.
Framework for Collaboration
Under the revised policy, Pakistani students will be eligible to enroll at Dhaka University, and Bangladeshi students will be encouraged to pursue higher education in Pakistan. This reciprocal arrangement aims to foster bilateral ties in education and culture while opening new avenues for student and faculty exchanges, scholarships, and joint academic projects.
University officials anticipate that the restored relations will strengthen collaboration in education and contribute to building mutual understanding between the two nations. According to Prof Bidisha, the syndicate’s unanimous approval of this decision reflects DU’s commitment to prioritizing the interests of its academic community.
Diplomatic Engagements Pave the Way
The decision follows notable diplomatic overtures, including a September 2024 meeting between Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Syed Ahmed Maroof, and DU Vice-Chancellor Prof Niaz Ahmad Khan. This meeting, the first in nearly a decade, set the stage for increased academic engagement between the two countries.
DU officials also considered recent proposals from Pakistan for scholarships and academic seminars benefiting Bangladeshi students and faculty. These gestures underscored the potential benefits of collaboration, leading to a consensus within DU’s syndicate.
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With the ban now lifted, Dhaka University has opened a new chapter in its history, focusing on academic growth and cultural exchange. The move is expected to strengthen ties between Bangladesh and Pakistan, offering students and researchers from both countries opportunities to learn from one another.