NSU hosts China–Bangladesh partnership forum in Dhaka

North South University (NSU) hosted the China–Bangladesh Partnership Forum – Dhaka Dialogue on its campus on 28 January 2026, bringing together policymakers, academics, business leaders, investors, cultural figures, and youth representatives to discuss the future trajectory of the China–Bangladesh partnership.

The forum drew participation from investors, social and cultural leaders, academics, and young professionals from across the country.

Distinguished guests included Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, Adviser to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs; Shahidul Alam, Founder of Drik Picture Library and Board Member of the China–Bangladesh Partnership Forum; Benajir Ahmed, Member and former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of NSU; Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Vice-Chancellor of North South University; Professor Syed Ferhat Anwar, Vice-Chancellor of BRAC University; Professor Anwar Hossain, Advisor and Dean (in charge), Faculty of Business Administration, American International University-Bangladesh; Sohel Ahmed, Chief Executive of WePOWER, BNC; Tajdin Hassan, Chief Business Officer of The Daily Star; Professor Farhana Ferdousi, Associate Professor and Director of Southeast Business School, Southeast University; Osman Dhali, Chief Operating Officer of YY Ventures; Daniel Afzalur Rahman, Director of Production at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy; Faisal Rahman, Managing Director of Parallel 2 Stairs; and Alex Wang, Secretary General of the China–Bangladesh Partnership Forum, among others.

In his welcome address, Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Vice-Chancellor of NSU, said Bangladesh and China share a long-standing trade and cultural relationship, and emphasised the need to strengthen business communication and collaborative ecosystems. He highlighted NSU's academic partnerships with China, noting that the university hosts South Asia's first Confucius Institute, reflecting its commitment to academic and cultural exchange.

Benajir Ahmed said Bangladesh and China must work closely to respond to global business demands, noting China's role as a major supplier to Bangladesh's garment sector and its vast consumer market, which present opportunities for expanding bilateral trade.

Shahidul Alam said the two countries share deep cultural ties but stressed the need for structured skills development, data-sharing partnerships, technology transfer, and meaningful collaboration beyond symbolic engagements.

Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki underscored the importance of cultural understanding alongside economic cooperation, saying Bangladesh has significant untapped potential to promote its cultural assets globally through music, food, films, and other creative expressions.

Professor Syed Ferhat Anwar said mutual understanding from a geopolitical perspective is essential for strengthening the partnership, adding that academic collaboration can play a vital role in advancing knowledge and deepening bilateral relations.

Professor Anwar Hossain said strong partnerships depend not only on trade and investment but also on academic exchange, cultural understanding, and mutual respect, noting the potential role of private universities in research, artificial intelligence, and knowledge sharing.

A panel discussion titled 'Building a Platform for China–Bangladesh Partnership' followed, where speakers from the private sector, media, academia, and entrepreneurship discussed investment opportunities, innovation, digital transformation, and the role of institutions in promoting inclusive and sustainable growth. The session was moderated by Alex Wang.

Through hosting the forum, North South University reaffirmed its role as a leading academic institution committed to international engagement, policy dialogue, and contributing to national and regional development through knowledge-based initiatives.