Interest among Chinese students in learning Bengali and studying Bangladeshi culture at the University of Dhaka is increasing. Enrollment in the university’s special Bengali language course at the Institute of Modern Languages rose from 15 students in 2024 to 26 this year, an increase of about 73 percent. The number of participating Chinese universities has also grown.

In 2024, 15 students from Guangdong University of Foreign Studies and Yunnan Minzu University joined the course. The following year, participation rose to 19 students from Yunnan Minzu University, Yunnan University and Beijing Foreign Studies University. This year’s cohort includes students from Yunnan Minzu University, Yunnan University, Communication University and Guangdong University of Foreign Studies.

On Monday, Chinese students studying Bengali paid a courtesy call on Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr A B M Obaidul Islam. They discussed their study experiences as well as facilities and problems. The vice-chancellor stressed language and cultural exchange to strengthen bilateral friendship and said necessary facilities for international students, including food, Wi-Fi and accommodation, would be improved.