Chinese students’ interest in learning Bangla rises 73% in three years at DU

Chinese students’ interest in learning Bangla language and culture is growing at the University of Dhaka (DU), with participation in its special Bangla language course increasing by 73% over the past three years.

The number of Chinese students enrolled in the course at DU’s Institute of Modern Languages rose from 15 in 2024 to 26 in 2026.

The students currently taking the course paid a courtesy call on DU Vice-Chancellor Prof ABM Obaidul Islam at his office on Monday. Institute Director Prof Mohammad Absar Kamal and other teachers were also present.

According to the institute, 15 students from Guangdong University of Foreign Studies and Yunnan Minzu University joined the course in 2024. The number increased to 19 in 2025, with students from Yunnan Minzu University, Yunnan University and Beijing Foreign Studies University.

This year, 26 students from Yunnan Minzu University, Yunnan University, Communication University of China and Guangdong University of Foreign Studies are taking the course.

The vice-chancellor said language learning can play an important role in strengthening communication, mutual understanding and friendship between Bangladesh and China.

He said DU plans to expand opportunities for learning foreign languages, including Chinese, Japanese and Korean, while creating more opportunities for Chinese students to learn Bangla and understand Bangladesh’s culture.

The Chinese students shared their experiences at DU and raised issues concerning food, accommodation, Wi-Fi and other campus facilities.

The vice-chancellor assured them that their concerns would be considered and necessary measures taken.

SKS