Dhaka: State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam announced on Friday that the government is taking action to combat unscrupulous syndicates and brokers who exploit Bangladeshi students by charging exorbitant fees for studying abroad.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Shama Obaed addressed this issue during the opening session of the 14th International Education Expo 2026 held at a city hotel. Organized by the Foreign Admission and Career Development Consultants Association of Bangladesh (FACD-CAB), the two-day expo brought together representatives from 30 countries to offer consultancy services for about 300 world-class educational institutions globally.
The state minister emphasized that the foreign ministry has inaugurated a migration wing to address migration-related concerns. This wing is tasked with tackling all issues related to migration, and Shama Obaed called on FACD-CAB and other stakeholders to assist this wing by providing necessary information to bring these exploitative syndicates under the law.
Highlighting the need for collective efforts, Shama Obaed stated, “Together, we have to work in a unison way here. We have to work together to bring these broker syndicates under the law. They are unfairly destroying the future of our children (students).” She assured that the foreign ministry is prepared to collaborate with FACD-CAB to enhance the transparency and accountability of the migration process, ultimately benefiting Bangladeshi students.
The state minister urged FACD-CAB to document their demands and challenges in writing so that these can be presented to the Prime Minister and relevant ministries, including Education, Finance, and Home Ministries, to address and fulfill their needs.
Shama Obaed also underscored the importance of creating a conducive environment in Bangladesh for students returning after obtaining overseas education. “We certainly want our children to go abroad and study. But at the same time, we need to create a safe, investment-friendly, and secure environment in Bangladesh where they can return, invest, and become entrepreneurs,” she noted.
Describing education as a crucial tool of diplomacy, she affirmed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to foster educational and research collaborations between Bangladesh and other nations. She highlighted the role of Bangladesh’s missions abroad in linking local institutions with international universities and supporting the welfare of Bangladeshi students.
In reference to the national budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, Shama Obaed mentioned that the education sector received its highest-ever allocation, underscoring the government’s prioritization of education.
The International Education Expo, a flagship event in Bangladesh, commenced at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel, gathering education consultants, international university representatives, students, and stakeholders on a single platform. Visitors, who are required to register in advance, can attend the fair from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. The expo provides an opportunity for direct interactions with university representatives from various countries, offering guidance on scholarships, financial aid, tuition fees, visa processing, and career planning.