Chinese student number at DU doubles in one year

The number of Chinese students at Dhaka University (DU) has doubled this year to 18, a significant rise from the six enrolled in 2023.

These students are currently studying in the Bangla department under the Institute of Modern Languages, according to a DU press release.

This surge in Chinese students coincides with a growing collaborative relationship between DU and several Chinese universities. The DU currently holds memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with three prominent Chinese universities: Yunnan University, Yunnan Minzu University and Beijing Foreign Studies University. These MoUs facilitate cooperation in education, research, and the exchange of both faculty and students.

Under the framework of these agreements and supported by Chinese government scholarships, 18 students from DU have travelled to various universities in China this year, a substantial rise from the seven who went last year. 

Further strengthening ties in research, a recent MoU has been signed between the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Dhaka University and China's Yunnan Peking Cancer Hospital and Kunming Medical University, focusing on advancing medical research and training.

Addressing the accommodation needs of the increasing number of Chinese students, DU has established a dedicated block of ten rooms within Sir PJ Hartog International Hall. These rooms are currently housing the students who have come from China. Furthermore, plans are in their final stages for the construction of a new residential hall for female students, named the Bangladesh-China Friendship Hall, which is being funded by the Chinese government and aims to alleviate the existing accommodation shortage for female students at the university.

DU anticipates further growth in its academic exchange with China. In August, a group of Chinese students expressed interest in attending the university for two semesters. Additionally, there is interest from Chinese students in enrolling in professional Master's programmes. 

To facilitate this, several other Chinese universities are in discussions with Dhaka University to establish similar MoUs. It is expected that several such agreements will be signed soon, further expanding the scope of educational and research collaboration, as well as student and faculty exchanges.

The Confucius Institute at the university is playing a pivotal role in fostering cultural and educational exchange. Through its activities, the institute is building a strong bilateral relationship between Bangladesh and China. Approximately 500 students are not only gaining linguistic proficiency but also becoming acquainted with China's rich cultural heritage through the institute.

In November, DU Vice-Chancellor Niaz Ahmed Khan undertook a week-long visit to China at the invitation of Yunnan University and other institutions. During his visit, the DU VC held high-level meetings with officials from Yunnan University, discussing matters of mutual interest. 

He also explored ways to strengthen the ongoing joint collaborative educational and research activities between the two universities. 

On 19 April, DU hosted a delegation from various Chinese universities for an academic exchange meeting.