National University (NU) Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. ASM Amanullah paid a courtesy call on SAARC Secretary General Ambassador Golam Sarwar in Kathmandu, Nepal to discuss expanding regional cooperation in higher education.
During the Thursday evening meeting at the SAARC Secretariat, the leaders explored opportunities for joint research, teacher-student exchange programs and broader academic collaboration between NU and universities across SAARC member states.
According to a press release from NU’s Public Relations Department, the discussion highlighted SAARC's foundational role in strengthening South Asian cooperation a vision pioneered by Bangladesh’s late President Ziaur Rahman.
Dr. Amanullah emphasized the critical need for effective university partnerships to enhance knowledge sharing, technological innovation and the creation of a skilled workforce in the region. Outlining ongoing reforms aimed at transforming NU into a world-class, research-driven institution also he noted that joint academic programs with SAARC universities would provide students with invaluable international experience.
In response, Ambassador Sarwar commended NU’s quality improvement initiatives. He assured the Vice-Chancellor that the SAARC Secretariat is fully prepared to support collaborative academic and research activities. He expressed optimism that increased mutual cooperation in higher education will significantly contribute to South Asia's regional and human resource development.
The meeting concluded with preliminary discussions on signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NU and the SAARC Secretariat to facilitate joint research, host international seminars and implement robust skill development programs.
