Strengthening Ties: Bangladesh Delegation Visits Pakistan’s Civil Services Academy
A high-level delegation from the government of Bangladesh recently visited the Civil Services Academy (CSA) in Lahore, highlighting the deep-rooted bonds between Pakistan and Bangladesh. Both nations, as Muslim countries, share a commitment to excellence in governance, integrity, and public service. The visit reinforced the spirit of friendship, brotherhood, and cooperation between the two countries.
The delegation was led by Prof Dr Anisuzzaman Chowdhury, an Emeritus Professor at Western Sydney University in Australia and a special assistant to the state minister. Other members included Dr KM Kabir-ul-Islam, former Senior Secretary of the Government of Bangladesh; Dr Muhammad Sharif-ul-Islam, also a former Senior Secretary; Junaayed Masrur Khan, an entrepreneur; Dr Muhammad Mizan-ur-Rehman, Additional Secretary of the Economic Relations Division (ERD) in Bangladesh; and Bilal Mahmood Chaudhary, Director General (South Asia and SAARC).
During the visit, Prof Dr Anisuzzaman delivered a lecture titled“Justice: From Local to Global – Can Islam Guide Public Administrators?”to 136 probationary officers participating in the 53rd Common Training Programme (CTP) at the CSA, along with faculty members. His talk emphasized the Islamic principles of Adl (justice), Qist (equity), and Amanah (trust) as the moral foundations of good governance and effective public service. He reminded the probationers that, as future civil servants, they carry the responsibility to serve the nation selflessly, uphold public trust, and ensure justice and fairness for all citizens. This duty, he stressed, is deeply rooted in faith, integrity, and a commitment to national service.
Director General of the CSA, Farhan Aziz Khawaja, welcomed the delegation and highlighted the importance of such visits in promoting regional collaboration. He noted that interactions between the two countries can foster mutual learning in areas such as civil service training, leadership development, and policy innovation. Khawaja emphasized that Pakistan and Bangladesh can build enduring partnerships through faculty exchanges, joint training programs, and research initiatives that contribute to regional peace and institutional excellence.
The Bangladeshi delegation expressed deep satisfaction with the warm hospitality and professional engagement they received during their stay. They commended the CSA for its commitment to nurturing ethical, service-oriented, and competent public officers.
Key Highlights of the Visit
- The delegation included prominent figures from both academia and government, showcasing the breadth of interest in strengthening bilateral ties.
- Prof Dr Anisuzzaman’s lecture focused on the role of Islamic values in shaping public administration and governance.
- The CSA’s Director General emphasized the potential for collaborative efforts between Pakistan and Bangladesh in various sectors.
- Souvenirs were presented to the visiting delegation as a token of goodwill and appreciation.
The visit underscored the shared cultural and religious heritage of Pakistan and Bangladesh while reinforcing their commitment to building a more cooperative and prosperous future. By focusing on common goals such as integrity, justice, and public service, the two nations continue to strengthen their relationship and work towards mutual growth and development.