Aiming to secure expanded higher education, joint research, and academic pathways for Bangladeshi students in China, Bangladesh highlighted these core priorities during a high-level meeting in Guangzhou.
Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon and the Prime Minister’s Education and Primary and Mass Education Adviser Mahdi Amin, are currently on a three-day official visit to China to participate in various technical and vocational education events and discussions at the invitation of the Chinese government.
Speaking at the meeting on China-Bangladesh educational co-operation on Wednesday, the spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, Mahdi Amin, emphasised that education must serve as one of the primary drivers of people-to-people connectivity between the two nations.
The meeting focused on four key areas: higher education and research opportunities for Bangladeshi students in China, mutual co-operation between universities, joint research initiatives, and technical education and skill development.
A culture of advanced research
Highlighting the global standing of Chinese universities, Amin said that many Chinese institutions now lead global rankings and scientific research. “We wish to disseminate those global best practices and advanced research cultures across Bangladesh,” he said.
He stressed that while the talent and potential of Bangladeshi youth are boundless, they require up-to-date curricula and modern training. In this regard, direct co-operation from Chinese polytechnic institutes and technical and vocational education experts could prove highly fruitful.
The adviser expressed Bangladesh’s interest in substantially increasing scholarships for meritorious Bangladeshi students to pursue higher education and research at renowned Chinese universities.
Furthermore, rather than focusing on building new infrastructure, the government is keen to initiate joint research projects to secure modern laboratories and access to international journals for Bangladeshi universities.
Educational reforms and career-oriented curricula
Addressing structural weaknesses in the existing system, Amin said that Bangladesh’s education system has been excessively theoretical for many years, failing to provide students with adequate opportunities in the practical workplace or the international market.
“Our government is determined to give education a completely career-oriented and practical form,” Amin declared. He explained that the government plans to make technical and vocational education a priority and mandatory for all.
To ensure the country’s youth remain competitive globally, a third language is being made compulsory, under which Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is prioritising Mandarin (Chinese).
Additionally, to bridge the gap between curricula and the job market, the government is increasing industry-academia collaboration and launching a modern Employment Exchange to facilitate smooth employment pathways for students.
Deepening historic bilateral ties
Education Minister highlighted the long-standing bilateral friendship, noting that the historical and deep friendship between Bangladesh and China was initiated by Martyr President Ziaur Rahman.
The minister added that the relationship was further strengthened and elevated to new heights during the tenure of former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia. He expressed his firm belief that under the current government, the friendship and co-operation between China and Bangladesh will deepen even further.
Adviser Amin echoed these sentiments, pointing out that the current government prioritises its relationship with China. As clear evidence of this, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman chose China for his first official foreign visit after Malaysia upon assuming office.
“Our government has assumed responsibility through the love of the people,” Amin said. He reaffirmed that the primary commitment of the democratically elected government, led by the prime minister, is to implement every pledge of the election manifesto letter by letter, with educational reform at its very centre.
He emphasised that the government aims to ensure the rights of all citizens, regardless of party, opinion, or ideology, to make education truly universal.
Exchange programmes and partnerships
Amin stressed the importance of regular exchanges of teachers, researchers, and students between the two countries. This would involve Chinese students visiting Bangladesh through exchange programmes and summer schools, while a large number of Bangladeshi students pursue higher education in China.
He added that the government wants to work more closely for the welfare of Bangladeshi students currently studying in China.
Calling upon prestigious Chinese universities and technical institutions to visit Bangladesh to assess its potential, the adviser invited them to establish joint academic degrees and long-term partnerships with Bangladeshi universities and colleges.
He also wished success for the newly inaugurated “China-Bangladesh Industry and Education Integration International Service Centre.”
Amin concluded by extending his sincere thanks to the Chinese Embassy and the Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh for organising the event.
Distinguished attendees
The event was attended by several high-profile officials and academic representatives, including- Ministry of Education’s Technical and Madrasah Education Division Secretary Md Daud Miah, Anhui Normal University’s Standing Committee Member and Vice-President (VP) Tian Xingyu, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University’s VP Zheng Pengwu, Tianjin University’s School of International Education Dean Li Qiang, Shenyang Urban Construction University’s School of International Education Dean Shao Xiujuan, Guangdong Vocational College of Finance and Trade President Zhang Xiaoyan, Xianning Vocational Technical College VP Fang Gaowen, Wuhan Optics Valley Yingcai Technical School Principal Yan Ganting, Guangdong Polytechnic of Science and Technology VP Pan Qihua, and Engineer Sheikh Korban Ali, VP of the China-Bangladesh Education and Cultural Exchange Association.
Representatives from other leading Chinese universities and educational institutions were also in attendance.
