DHAKA: When Alimul Islam learned he had been accepted to study in Madinah, he could hardly believe his luck. Among the many Saudi universities offering scholarships to Bangladeshi students, he was selected by the one he had hoped to join for years.
After the news arrived last month, he has been celebrating ever since.
“It feels even greater than the joy of Eid. I feel overwhelmed with happiness,” he told Arab News.
“I feel happier than words can describe. My friends are also very excited about my opportunity at Madinah University. Some of my friends are even more excited than I am. They are happy that I’ll be studying in the land of the Prophet.”
The 21-year-old from Khulna is part of the program announced in 2022, offering 265 fully funded scholarships for young Bangladeshis to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in fields such as science, engineering, Islamic studies, and Arabic language and literature.
The number of available scholarships will soon be increased to 500, according to last month’s announcement made by the Kingdom’s ambassador, Abdullah bin Abiyah, after his meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
The Saudi government covers full airfare for travel, along with accommodation, meals, tuition, an annual book allowance and a monthly stipend for living expenses.
Mohammad Hasib, who will also begin his studies under the scholarship program this year, will soon travel from his native Chapainawabganj to Buraidah and join Qassim University, where he will start a four-year bachelor’s degree program in Arabic literature.
“Most of the scholars who studied in Saudi universities are well respected. That’s why I also chose Saudi Arabia,” he said.
“A few of my senior brothers from the madrasa and teachers studied in Saudi Arabia. Some are currently studying there, and many have returned after completing their studies. Seeing them, I got inspired to have my higher studies in the Kingdom.”
He is looking forward not only to mastering Arabic language, but also learning a new culture. When he comes back, wants to fulfill the dreams of his parents and become a scholar.
“To me, my parents’ dream feels even bigger than my own,” he said. “My personal plan is to become a madrasa teacher, to pass on the knowledge I gained.”
The number of Bangladeshi students choosing to study in Saudi Arabia has increased in recent years, driven by scholarship opportunities and a growing range of programs.
For many disciplines, knowledge of Arabic is no longer a requirement.
“If they have IELTS (qualification), they can study in English. So, the requirement of Arabic fluency is no longer there. This has greatly attracted our students,” Dr. Mohammad Rafiqul Islam Al-Madani, treasurer of the Association of Saudi University Graduates in Bangladesh, told Arab News.
“They are getting such benefits that they can complete their higher studies without any financial hardship, receiving more facilities than in any other country, even more than in Europe or America.”
Another reason is the deep attachment Bangladeshis of all generations have to Saudi Arabia, home to some 3.5 million members of the diaspora — the largest expat group in the Kingdom and also the biggest Bangladeshi community outside the country.
The spiritual dimension plays a role, too.
“There is an emotional and religious attachment to Makkah and Madinah, so for many of our students, this opportunity is very attractive,” Al-Madani said.
“They get the opportunity to perform Hajj and Umrah.”
