NSU hosts session on shared future of South Asia
North South University's (NSU) South Asian Institute of Policy and Governance (SIPG) and the Department of Political Science and Sociology (PSS) organised an interactive session titled "Shared Future of South Asia" on Wednesday, 18 February 2026, at the university's Syndicate Hall.
The session featured Professor Ahsan Iqbal, Pakistan's federal minister for planning, development and special initiatives, as chief guest. He praised NSU's academic standards and scholarly environment, and proposed co-supervision opportunities between NSU and Pakistani universities for PhD students. Noting that nearly 60% of the region's population is under 30, he said South Asia must harness youth as a strategic resource for future development.
The programme began with a welcome speech by Professor Hafizur Rahman of NSU's Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, and COMSTECH focal person for Bangladesh. He said the time was opportune to recalibrate and deepen collaboration between Bangladesh and Pakistan, particularly in science, technology, education and culture.
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The session was moderated by Dr Rizwan Khair, associate professor and chair of NSU's Department of Political Science and Sociology.
M A Kashem, founder life member and former chairman of NSU's board of trustees, said Bangladesh and Pakistan share a long history and emphasised the importance of strengthening people-to-people and institutional ties.
Benajir Ahmed, founder life member and former chairman of the board of trustees, 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 NSU's board of trustees, said closer collaboration 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, spoke as session chair. He referred to initiatives such as the Pakistan–Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor Scholarship Contest and said NSU faculty can promote academic cooperation, cultural exchange and educational collaboration.
The event was attended by guests including Professor Nasar U Ahmed, pro vice-chancellor of NSU; Professor Abdur Rob Khan, treasurer of NSU; and Imran Haider, Pakistan's high commissioner to Bangladesh, alongside senior officials and media personnel from Pakistan.
The session concluded with a question-and-answer segment involving students and faculty members.
