A high-level delegation from the Maldives is set to visit Dhaka to attend a South Asian regional conference on higher education, the Bangladesh High Commission in Male said on Sunday.

Ahead of the visit, members of the delegation made a courtesy call to the Bangladesh High Commissioner to the Maldives, Dr. Mohammad Nazmul Islam.

Le Méridien Hotel in Dhaka will host the South Asian Regional Higher Education Conference from January 12 to 15. The Maldivian delegation will be led by State Minister for Higher Education, Labour, and Skills Development Fatimath Mohamed.

During the meeting, High Commissioner Dr. Nazmul Islam described education diplomacy as a strategic pillar of Bangladesh–Maldives bilateral relations.

He said Bangladesh offers wide opportunities for Maldivian students in fields such as medicine, engineering, science and technology, agriculture, and social sciences. He noted that Bangladesh currently provides seven government-funded medical scholarships for Maldivian students, which remain underutilized.

“Affordable international-standard education, direct air connectivity, and a travel time of just three and a half hours have made Bangladesh an attractive destination for Maldivian students,” he added.

State Minister Fatimath Mohamed praised Bangladesh’s education system, saying that many Maldivian doctors trained in Bangladesh are now serving with distinction back home, enhancing the reputation of Bangladeshi institutions.

She stressed the need for greater coordination between the relevant ministries of both countries to ensure education-related information reaches Maldivian students more effectively.

The minister also said the Maldives plans to host an international conference on higher education quality in September, expressing hope for active participation from Bangladesh.

The meeting concluded with the high commissioner assuring the delegation of full cooperation during their visit to Bangladesh.