Staff Correspondent 

A delegation from the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC) of China paid a courtesy call on the Chairman of the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh (UGC), Prof  Dr. S. M. A. Faiaz on Saturday at the UGC office. 

UGC Members Prof Dr. Mohammad Anwar Hossain, Prof  Dr. Masuma Habib, Professor Dr. Mohammad Ayub Islam, UGC Secretary Dr. Md. Fakhrul Islam, Director  of the International Cooperation Division Jesmin Parvin, Dhaka University Prof and Vice President of the Bangladesh-China Alumni Association (ABCA) Dr. Mohammad Moinul Islam, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology Professor and General Secretary of ABCA Dr. Md. Shahabul Haque, along with other concerned officials of the Commission, were present at the meeting.

The seven-member CLEC delegation was led by Deputy Director Qian Tianqi. He said that the use of the Chinese language is increasing worldwide in order to strengthen ties with China in its economic and technological development. At present, the Chinese language is taught in 190 countries. There is great interest among the young generation of Bangladesh in learning Chinese. He mentioned that language proficiency will be helpful in studying in China and securing high-paying jobs.

Qian Tianqi further said that they are interested in working with Bangladeshi universities to promote Chinese language education and culture. He sought UGC’s cooperation in introducing Chinese language as a major course in Bangladeshi universities. He proposed that Chinese language could be taught with the assistance of skilled Bangladeshi teachers. He also expressed hope to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UGC soon to promote Chinese language education and culture.

UGC Chairman Prof  Faiaz said that the proposal of introducing Chinese language in the country’s universities is very positive. He stated that he would soon discuss the matter with the concerned authorities for implementation. He called upon the Chinese delegation to increase scholarship opportunities for Bangladeshi students in China, introduce joint degree programs, conduct research, and take initiatives to promote the Bangla language and culture in China. He assured the delegation of taking effective steps to strengthen relations with China.

It is to be mentioned that CLEC, an institution affiliated with China’s Ministry of Education, is a non-profit and professional educational organization for international Chinese language education. It serves as a platform for promoting intercultural education.