DHAKA : Pakistan High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Haider today made a courtesy call on Leader of the Opposition Dr. Shafiqur 
Rahman, MP, at his office in the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban today.

Political Counsellor of the Pakistan High Commission Kamran Dangal also attended the meeting, which was held in a cordial, positive and friendly 
atmosphere.

During the meeting, the Pakistani High Commissioner expressed his country's interest in further advancing bilateral relations with Bangladesh through a 
positive approach. 

He noted that relations between the two countries have been progressing positively in recent times, with increased bilateral trade and several 
exchanges involving military and civilian officials.

The High Commissioner informed the Opposition Leader that a delegation of Bangladeshi academics recently visited Pakistan and expressed satisfaction 
with the country's education system. He also briefed him on the success of the education fair held in Dhaka last month.

He said Pakistan plans to provide scholarships to 500 Bangladeshi students over the next five years in phases, adding that 74 students have already 
travelled to Pakistan under the programme. Efforts are also underway to enhance academic cooperation and student exchange between universities of the 
two countries, said a press release.

The High Commissioner expressed optimism that the ongoing "Knowledge Corridor" initiative would be further strengthened in the coming days.

He also proposed the formation of a parliamentary group and emphasized the importance of strengthening relations between the two countries at the 
parliamentary level.

At one stage of the discussion, the Opposition Leader conveyed his appreciation to the Government of Pakistan, through the High Commissioner, 
for Pakistan's historic role in facilitating a peace agreement between the United States and Iran.

Barrister Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem Arman, MP, Foreign Affairs Adviser to the Opposition Leader, and Ali Ahmad Mabrur, a member of the Foreign Affairs 
Advisory Committee, were present at the meeting.