DU Correspondent 

The number of Chinese students at Dhaka University has doubled within a year. Last year, 9 students from China enrolled at the university. This year, that number has increased to 18. In 2023, it was 6. These students are studying in the Bangla department under the Institute of Modern Languages.

Dhaka University has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with three Chinese universities—Yunnan University, Yunnan Minzu University, and Beijing Foreign Studies University—to enhance mutual cooperation in education, research, and student-teacher exchange. Under these MoUs and with scholarships from the Chinese government, 18 students from Dhaka University have gone to study at various Chinese universities this year. Last year, the number was 7.

Recently, a new MoU was signed between the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Dhaka University and Yunnan Peking Cancer Hospital and Kunming Medical University in China, to promote medical research and training.

To address residential issues of Chinese students at Dhaka University, a dedicated block with 10 rooms has been established at Sir P.J. Hartog International Hall. Students from China are currently residing there. Meanwhile, construction of a residential hall named Bangladesh-China Friendship Hall, funded by the Chinese government, is in its final stages to help resolve accommodation shortages for female students.

Additionally, several Chinese students have expressed interest in coming to Dhaka University in August for two semesters. They have also shown interest in enrolling in professional master’s programmes. To this end, several more Chinese universities are interested in signing MoUs with Dhaka University. Discussions have already taken place between both parties, and it is expected that several MoUs will be signed soon, which will further expand the scope of academic and research collaboration, as well as student and faculty exchange.

The university’s Confucius Institute is also playing a significant role in cultural and educational exchanges. Through this institute, a strong bilateral relationship has developed between Bangladesh and China. Nearly 500 students are acquiring not only linguistic proficiency but also gaining exposure to China’s rich cultural heritage.

It is mentioned that Dhaka University’s engagement with Chinese universities has increased in recent times. In November, Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmad Khan went on a seven-day visit to China at the invitation of Yunnan University and several other institutions. During the visit, Dr. Khan held high-level meetings with the authorities of Yunnan University and discussed issues of mutual interest. 

He also exchanged views on strengthening the ongoing joint academic and research initiatives between the two institutions.

In addition, the Vice-Chancellor discussed the potential for joint collaborative initiatives on language and cultural education with the Center for Language Education and Cooperation, Chinese International Education Foundation, and the International Society for Chinese Language Teaching.

Most recently, on April 19, a delegation of representatives from several Chinese universities visited Dhaka University. During their visit, an academic exchange meeting was held with Dhaka University officials.