TLDR:
Pakistani students readmitted to Dhaka University
Policy aimed at fostering regional collaboration
DU prioritises academic freedom over political history
DHAKA (The Thursday Times) — In a landmark decision, Dhaka University (DU) has lifted its longstanding ban on Pakistani students, reopening a door to academic exchange with Pakistan. Announced during a syndicate meeting on November 13, this change signifies a departure from the political tensions that once defined relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan. According to DU Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Sayma Haque Bidisha, the decision stems from a commitment to academic openness, one that the university believes transcends political history.
Under this revised policy, students from Pakistan can now apply to DU’s prestigious academic programs, and Bangladeshi students will have the opportunity to explore educational pursuits in Pakistan. The university, one of the most prominent institutions in South Asia, has welcomed this change as a step forward for education and collaboration in the region, especially after nearly a decade of severed ties.
A new era for Dhaka University
The university’s decision to restore admissions to Pakistani students reflects a growing trend of bridging divides through education. Professor Bidisha described the shift as an effort to support students who frequently travel for international scholarships and academic conferences. Academic stakeholders at DU expressed optimism that this re-opening will deepen intellectual and cultural ties with Pakistan, fostering cooperation between the two nations.
Academic independence from political legacies
Since its establishment, Dhaka University has navigated various political pressures, especially those rooted in the region’s complex history. The original ban, enforced in December 2015, was largely a response to Pakistan’s official stance on the events of Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War, which saw widespread atrocities and remains a deeply sensitive issue. Then-Vice-Chancellor Professor AAMS Arefin Siddique imposed the ban, citing Pakistan’s refusal to acknowledge the genocide, deeming this an affront to Bangladesh’s national memory.
This month’s reversal, however, signals a shift in focus towards academic priorities over past political grievances. Professor Bidisha noted that the decision was entirely academic, seeking not to reopen old wounds but to provide students with greater opportunities for growth. “The decision reflects our role as an educational institution, not a political arena,” she emphasised, underscoring that DU’s priorities remain centred on academic freedom and inclusivity.
The diplomatic backdrop
This policy shift follows recent diplomatic engagements between the two countries. In September, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Syed Ahmed Maroof, met with DU’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Niaz Ahmad Chowdhury, marking the first such meeting in nearly a decade. The visit, characterised as a goodwill gesture, laid the groundwork for renewed academic collaboration, as both leaders expressed an interest in moving forward through shared educational goals.
According to university insiders, this change also hints at the larger regional dynamics that are redefining South Asia’s educational and diplomatic landscape. DU officials believe that education can serve as a bridge, promoting mutual understanding in a region often divided by history and politics.
New academic possibilities for regional students
This change promises a range of possibilities for students from both Bangladesh and Pakistan. While Pakistani students can now explore courses at DU, Bangladeshi students, in turn, have the chance to access institutions in Pakistan. This exchange is expected to lead to enhanced academic partnerships, joint research initiatives, and opportunities for cultural dialogue.
Moreover, the move aligns with DU’s aim to internationalise its academic offerings and provide students with a global perspective. Pakistani students have historically contributed to South Asia’s intellectual landscape, and DU’s re-engagement with Pakistan reflects a commitment to enhancing the region’s shared academic legacy.
DU’s policy reversal is more than just an academic development; it reflects the potential for cooperation that transcends borders. Observers believe this decision could encourage other institutions in the region to rethink cross-border academic policies, especially in South Asia’s evolving educational landscape. While political differences remain, DU’s focus on academic integrity serves as a reminder that education can lead the way in fostering reconciliation and dialogue.
By lifting the ban, Dhaka University underscores its mission to be a centre for learning that embraces students from diverse backgrounds. The move is particularly significant for a generation of students eager to engage with their South Asian peers. For many, this change represents the possibility of reshaping the region’s academic exchanges, nurturing the next generation of thinkers, leaders, and innovators who can build a stronger, more united South Asia.