DU Correspondent

The interest of Chinese students in studying Bengali language and culture at Dhaka University is increasing.

In the last three years, the number of Chinese students participating in the special Bengali language course at the university's Institute of Modern Languages has increased from 15 to 26. At the same time, opportunities for students from various Chinese universities to come to Dhaka University to learn Bengali language and Bangladeshi culture are also expanding.

Chinese students studying in Dhaka University paid a courtesy call on Dhaka University Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. ABM Obaidul Islam in a meeting room adjacent to his office on Monday.

During the meeting, the Vice Chancellor emphasized on language and cultural exchange to further strengthen the friendly relations between Bangladesh and China. Professor Mohammad Absar Kamal, Director of the Institute of Modern Languages, and other teachers of the institute were present during the meeting.

Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr. ABM Obaidul Islam said, "The relations between Bangladesh and China are very excellent and friendly. China is one of the largest development partners of Bangladesh. Language education can play an important role in deepening mutual communication, understanding and friendship between the people of the two countries."

He said, "We want to give importance to third language education, including Chinese language. Similarly, we should also increase the opportunities for Chinese students to come to Dhaka University and learn about the Bengali language and culture of Bangladesh. The exchange of language and culture will further strengthen the relations between the two countries."

The Vice Chancellor said that taking into account the current government's emphasis on third language education, initiatives are being taken to further expand the opportunities for foreign language education at Dhaka University. The university authorities will work sincerely to further expand the activities of the Modern Language Institute in the field of teaching various languages, including Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.

Addressing the Chinese students, the Vice Chancellor said, "It is necessary to know the language and culture of the country you are going to. Knowing the language makes communication with people easier and creates respect for each other's culture. You are coming to Bangladesh to learn about the Bengali language and culture - this is an important means of deepening the relationship between the people of the two countries."

During the courtesy call, Chinese students shared their experience of studying at Dhaka University and various facilities and problems with the Vice Chancellor. Discussions were also held on displaying menus with names and prices of food at different places on campus, ensuring Wi-Fi facilities and other necessary services for the convenience of students. The Vice Chancellor assured to consider these issues seriously and take necessary measures.

According to the Institute of Modern Languages, the number of students from various universities in China participating in special Bangla language courses at Dhaka University has increased consistently in the last three years. In 2024, two Chinese universities- Guangdong University of Foreign Studies A total of 15 students from Yunnan Minzu University participated in this course. In 2025, a total of 19 students from Yunnan Minzu University , Yunnan University and Beijing Foreign Studies University participated. In the current 2026 , Yunnan Minzu University , Yunnan University , Communication University and Guangdong University of Foreign Studies A total of 26 students are participating in a special Bengali language course.