North South University (NSU), with the support of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Bangladesh, hosted Dhaka· China Day 2025, a vibrant celebration of the enduring friendship between Bangladesh and China. Held at Audi 801 and the Main Auditorium, the day-long event brought together scholars, policymakers, students, and cultural ambassadors for a program filled with dialogue, culture, and creativity.

The highlight of the day was the inauguration ceremony, which began with a traditional Lion Dance performance symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. The Dhaka China Day at NSU highlighted the enduring friendship and multifaceted collaboration between Bangladesh and China.

Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Vice-Chancellor of North South University, emphasized, “NSU was the first university in South Asia to establish a Confucius Institute,” showcasing its role in language training, student exchanges, and cultural programs.

H.E. Mr. Yao Wen, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Bangladesh, remarked, “Bangladesh–China relations will continue to rise to new heights,” stressing youth engagement and people-to-people exchanges.
Ms. Farida Akhter, Adviser to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Bangladesh, noted, “Collaboration in trade, fisheries, and technology would enhance bilateral ties and benefit both countries,” encouraging youth and entrepreneurs to strengthen the partnership.

The day featured two technical sessions on education and culture. The first session was moderated by Dr. S.M. Rezwan Ul Alam, Associate Professor, Department of Political Science and Sociology (PSS) at NSU, who highlighted the importance of media literacy and cultural exchange in overcoming misconceptions. Mrittika Anan Rahman, Lecturer, Media, Communication and Journalism Program at NSU, presented her research showing that Bangladeshi media portray China mainly as a development partner, alongside themes of diplomacy, education, technology, friendship, and culture, with mostly positive coverage. Mr. Wang Jianbing, Bureau Chief of CMG, discussed changing media consumption trends, noting young audiences’ shift to digital platforms and CMG’s efforts to engage them through Bangla-language content. Mr. Li Shaopeng, Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy, emphasized the power of narratives, thanked Bangladeshi media for their positive representation, and encouraged deeper mutual understanding through continued media and cultural exchange.

The second session, moderated by Prof. Sk. Tawfique M. Haque, Director of SIPG at NSU, focused on the growing importance of Mandarin in Bangladesh due to expanding trade with China. Professor Bulbul Siddiqi and Ms. Ma Xiaoyan (Confucius Institute, NSU) noted that Chinese language learning is still mostly at the university level, facing challenges like a shortage of qualified teachers and limited school integration. Mr. Ilham Adnan Alam (BIT) highlighted difficulties in adding Chinese to school curricula but stressed the need for structured programs and cultural exchanges. Prof. Mohiuddin Taher (Shanto-Mariam Confucius Classroom) emphasized government involvement to popularize the language, while Dr. K.M. Kabirul Islam underlined the need for multilingual education, early learning, and policy reform. Concluding the session, Mr. Li Shaopeng, Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy, praised Bangladesh’s efforts and stressed that learning Chinese creates opportunities for education, jobs, and deeper cultural ties.

The China–Bangladesh Youth Forum, held as part of Dhaka China Day, featured contributions from academics and students of both countries, highlighting education, culture, and bilateral cooperation. The session started with Mr. Li Shaopeng, Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy, emphasizing youth engagement and future cooperation to strengthen Bangladesh–China relations. Dr. Monira Sultana emphasized China’s growing appeal as a destination for higher studies, while Dr. Md. Shahinoor Rahman reflected on cultural adaptation and the importance of building genuine friendship. Dr. Muhammad Mofizur Rahman underlined China’s rapid technological progress and the need for sustainable partnerships, and Khan Mehedi Hasan discussed economic collaboration and infrastructure investment.

From the Chinese side, Feng Jie shared insights from fieldwork in Bangladesh, Wang Jinxuan spoke on adapting to local culture, and Ms. Zhu Meicheng highlighted language as a bridge between nations. Dr. Md. Shahabul Haque and Dr. Mohammad Mainul Islam addressed China’s role in infrastructure, transportation, and academic exchange.

The celebrations concluded with the Dhaka-China Day Film Festival, held from September 23 to 25 in the Main Auditorium. Films such as The Truth 1, Ne Jha 1, Utshob, and The Truth 2 offered audiences a cinematic journey into Chinese and Bangladeshi culture, providing an immersive platform for cultural exchange and dialogue. Dhaka-China Day 2025 successfully highlighted the multifaceted dimensions of Bangladesh-China relations, fostering education, culture, and youth engagement while reinforcing the enduring friendship between the two nations.