Chinese student enrolment at Dhaka University (DU) doubled within just one year, jumping from 9 to 18 students.
This marks significant growth from 2023 when only six Chinese nationals studied at the institution. These students are currently pursuing studies in Bangla Department under Institute of Modern Languages.
On Tuesday, April 22, Farrukh Mahmud, Public Relations Office Deputy Director confirmed the information through a press release.
Dhaka University maintains Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with three Chinese universities, Yunnan University, Yunnan Minzu University and Beijing Foreign Studies University, nurturing cooperation in education, research and academic exchanges. With these agreements and Chinese government scholarships, 18 Dhaka University students are now studying at various Chinese universities.
Recently, Dhaka University's Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology signed a fresh MoU with China's Yunnan Peking Cancer Hospital and Kunming Medical University to enhance medical research and training collaborations.
To accommodate Chinese students, university authorities have reserved 10 rooms at Sir PJ Hartog International Hall.
Meanwhile, construction of "Bangladesh-China Friendship Hall", funded by Chinese government to address housing shortages for female students; has reached its final stages.
Several Chinese students have expressed interest in two-semester study programmes starting August, alongside potential enrolment in Professional Master's courses.
Multiple Chinese universities are keen to establish formal partnerships with Dhaka University, with discussions already underway and new MoUs expected soon.
Dhaka University's Confucius Institute continues strengthening bilateral educational ties, currently serving nearly 500 students who gain both language skills and cultural understanding.
Communication between Dhaka University and Chinese institutions has intensified. Last November, Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan completed a week-long visit to China, meeting Yunnan University authorities to discuss expanding joint educational and research initiatives.
His itinerary included meetings with officials from China's language education organisations to explore collaborative programmes.
Most recently, on April 19, representatives from various Chinese universities visited DU for academic exchange discussions, further cementing growing educational partnerships between the institutions.
NRE/SH
