Bangladesh promotes educational tourism as Medical Education Fair draws huge response in Kathmandu

Dhaka: Bangladesh has stepped up efforts to position itself as a leading hub for educational tourism in South Asia, as the Bangladesh Medical Education Fair–2026 was successfully held in Kathmandu, drawing strong interest from Nepali students aspiring to pursue medical studies abroad, according to a press release of the Bangladesh Embassy in Kathmandu.

The fair was jointly organized by the Bangladesh Embassy in Kathmandu and the Bangladesh Private Medical College Association (BPMCA), with the aim of promoting Bangladesh’s medical education sector and strengthening cross-border educational cooperation between the two friendly countries.

A total of 20 private medical colleges from Bangladesh participated in the fair, providing comprehensive information on medical education opportunities, admission procedures, tuition fees, scholarships, accommodation facilities, and student life in Bangladesh. More than 500 Nepali students and guardians visited the fair, reflecting growing interest in Bangladesh as an affordable and quality destination for medical education.

In his inaugural address, the Ambassador of Bangladesh to Nepal, Md. Shafiqur Rahman, highlighted the long-standing friendly relations between Bangladesh and Nepal and emphasized the expanding cooperation in education, particularly in medical studies. He said Bangladesh has emerged as a trusted destination for international medical students, offering quality education, extensive clinical exposure, modern medical facilities, affordable tuition fees, and internationally recognized degrees.

The Ambassador noted that Bangladesh’s medical curriculum and examination system are based on the Canadian model, which he described as superior to other systems in South Asia. He also pointed out that similarities in language, culture, and social environment make Bangladeshi institutions more comfortable for Nepali students, contributing to the growth of educational tourism between the two countries.

He further stated that Bangladeshi medical colleges provide students with exposure to a wide range of diseases, ensuring strong clinical knowledge. Highlighting Bangladesh’s contribution to Nepal’s healthcare sector, he said a significant number of Nepali doctors educated in Bangladesh are currently serving with distinction, particularly in postgraduate medical fields, which are highly valued worldwide.

During the inaugural session, the Secretary-General of BPMCA delivered a detailed presentation on Bangladesh’s medical education system, outlining academic standards, curriculum structure, clinical training, and student support services. The former President of BPMCA also spoke, underscoring the association’s role in maintaining quality education and fostering international academic collaboration.

The fair offered a direct interaction platform, allowing students and parents to engage with representatives of Bangladeshi medical colleges and receive firsthand guidance on eligibility requirements and career prospects.

As part of the visit, the BPMCA delegation also met Dr. Bikash Devkota, Secretary (Health), Ministry of Health and Population of Nepal, and the Acting Chairman of the Nepal Medical Council (NMC) to discuss matters of mutual interest in medical education and cooperation.

The Bangladesh Medical Education Fair was widely appreciated as a timely initiative and is seen as a significant step toward boosting educational tourism, people-to-people connectivity, and academic partnership between Bangladesh and Nepal.

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