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Interest among Chinese students in learning Bangla and exploring Bangladeshi culture has grown significantly at the University of Dhaka, with enrolment in a special Bangla language course rising by about 73% in three years.
According to the university’s Institute of Modern Languages, the number of Chinese students taking the course increased from 15 in 2024 to 19 in 2025 and 26 in 2026.
In 2024, students came from Guangdong University of Foreign Studies and Yunnan Minzu University. The following year, students from Yunnan University and Beijing Foreign Studies University also joined the programme.
This year, 26 students from four Chinese universities—Yunnan Minzu University, Yunnan University, Communication University and Guangdong University of Foreign Studies—are taking the course.
University officials said the steady increase reflects growing interest in language, education and cultural exchange between Bangladesh and China.
The Chinese students met Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr ABM Obaidul Islam on Monday (24 August). During the meeting, the vice-chancellor stressed the importance of language and cultural exchange in strengthening ties between the two countries.
He said the university wanted to expand opportunities for Chinese students to learn Bangla and gain a deeper understanding of Bangladesh’s culture. He also emphasised promoting the study of Chinese and other foreign languages among Bangladeshi students.
The vice-chancellor assured the international students that the university would work to improve facilities such as accommodation, Wi-Fi and food services and address their concerns.
The students also shared their experiences at the university and discussed campus services, including displaying food menus with prices and improving Wi-Fi facilities.