North South University’s (NSU) South Asian Institute of Policy and Governance (SIPG) and the Department of Political Science and Sociology (PSS) organized an interactive session titled “Shared Future of South Asia” on Wednesday, 18 February 2026, at the Syndicate Hall, NSU, a press release said.
The session featured Professor Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Islamic Republic of Pakistan, as the Chief Guest. He praised NSU’s high academic standards and scholarly environment. He expressed appreciation for the university’s faculty and library resources, proposed co-supervision opportunities between NSU and Pakistani universities for PhD students, and emphasized that with nearly 60 percent of the population under the age of 30, the region must effectively harness youth as a strategic resource for future development.
The program began with a welcome speech by Professor Hafizur Rahman, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, NSU, and COMSTECH Focal Person for Bangladesh. He remarked that the moment was opportune to recalibrate and deepen collaboration between Bangladesh and Pakistan, particularly in the areas of science, technology, education, and culture, to maximize shared benefits for both nations. The session was moderated by Dr. Rizwan Khair, Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Political Science and Sociology (PSS), NSU.
- A. Kashem, Founder Life Member and Former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of NSU, noted that Bangladesh and Pakistan share a long history and enduring friendship, emphasizing the importance of strengthening people-to-people and institutional ties between the two countries.
Benajir Ahmed, Founder Life Member and Former Chairman of the Board of Trustees, NSU, highlighted the need to accelerate bilateral business connectivity, suggesting enhanced air links between Dhaka and Karachi and maritime connectivity between Chattogram and Karachi to facilitate trade and investment.
Aziz Al Kaiser, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, NSU, stressed that closer collaboration between Bangladesh and Pakistan can be advanced through the exchange of knowledge, ideas, and academic perspectives, underscoring the role of universities in fostering mutual understanding.
Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Vice-Chancellor of NSU, delivered remarks as the Session Chair, where he recalled that NSU had recently facilitated initiatives such as the Pakistan–Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor Scholarship Contest and noted that NSU faculty members can promote academic cooperation, cultural exchange, and educational collaboration.
The event was attended by distinguished guests, including Professor Nasar U Ahmed, Pro Vice-Chancellor of NSU; Professor Abdur Rob Khan, Treasurer, NSU; Imran Haider, High Commissioner of Pakistan to Bangladesh, and other high officials and media personnel from Pakistan.
The session included an engaging question-and-answer segment involving students and faculty members.
