Esteemed Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dhaka, Dear Members of the Academic Board of the Centre for China Studies (CCS), Distinguished Colleagues Joining Us Today, Welcome!
It is a great pleasure to connect with you all online for the second plenary session of the Academic Board of the CCS.
Our primary objective today is to reflect on the work of the CCS in 2024 and discuss the work plan for 2025.
The CCS 2024 Work Summary
In an effort to promote cultural and academic exchanges between China and Bangladesh, and with the backing of both governments, the Centre for China Studies (CCS) was officially inaugurated on March 24, 2024. Since its establishment, the CCS has made remarkable progress with the unwavering support of our partner organizations. The tasks outlined during the first plenary session of the Academic Board of the CCS have largely been completed. The main achievements can be summarized in the following five aspects:
First, progress has been made in both institutional development and staffing since the establishment of the CCS. The CCS was formally unveiled in Dhaka on March 24, 2024, with the successful hosting of the “Seminar on Development and Governance Experience in China and Bangladesh.” Following its inception, the Chinese staff have been permanently stationed at the CCS, while a local employee has been recruited to assist with daily operations alongside the Bangladeshi Director. To enhance outreach and communication, the CCS has launched a Facebook account and an English-language website to share news and updates.
Second, the CCS successfully organized two Bangladesh Young Leaders Delegations to China. From June 2 to June 11, 2024, the CCS invited and organized the first Bangladesh Young Leaders Delegation to China, comprising representatives from the University of Dhaka, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Noakhali Science and Technology University, and other Bangladeshi institutions. The delegation visited Kunming, Shanghai, and Beijing, with Yunnan University, Tongji University, and East China Normal University playing active roles in hosting and training the participants. The delegation members commenced their program with an opening ceremony at the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (SIIS). In Beijing, the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies meticulously arranged the reception and itinerary, culminating in a closing ceremony to mark the successful conclusion of their visit. From July 29 to August 9, 2024, the CCS hosted the Bangladeshi Young Diplomats Delegation’s Visit to China, organized in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh. The delegation visited Shanghai and Beijing, engaging with universities, think tanks, government institutions, museums, businesses, rural areas, iconic landmarks, and historical and cultural sites. By participating in opening and closing ceremonies, engaging in dialogues, attending seminars, receiving lectures, and conducting site visits, all members fostered meaningful in-depth exchanges with individuals from multiple sectors in China through a variety of interactive and multi-dimensional methods. These initiatives were highly successful, significantly enhancing mutual understanding between China and Bangladesh.
Third, the CCS invited renowned Chinese Scholars to Bangladesh to facilitate the exchange of development experience with the Bangladeshi academic community. In 2024, the CCS hosted a total of four delegations of prominent Chinese experts to Bangladesh, who conducted specialized lectures and academic exchanges on topics such as sustainable development, carbon reduction, the Chinese economy, and the choices in the path to modernization. These events received widespread positive feedback from various sectors in Bangladesh. In October 2024, Professor Yang Jiemian, Chairman of the SIIS Academic Advisory Council, led a delegation to the CCS. They delivered a lecture and, in collaboration with the Bangladesh Institute of International Strategic Studies (BIISS), organized a high-level China-Bangladesh strategic dialogue. Additionally, the delegation met with the Adviser for Foreign Affairs of the Interim Government of Bangladesh.
Fourth, the CCS advanced and deepened joint research projects between China and Bangladesh. In 2024, the CCS signed three research cooperation agreements with Bangladeshi scholars. These projects focus on the topics of “Influences and Impact of Diverse Bangladeshi Domestic Groups on Bangladesh–China Relations,” “Advancing Trade and Economic Cooperation between China and Bangladesh through Exploration of New Growth Areas,” and “Learning from China’s Experience in Harnessing Demographic Dividend in Bangladesh.” While some proposed topics were related to science and technology, others lacked sufficient relevance. Adhering to the principle of prioritizing quality over quantity, the CCS did not approve these proposals. The three approved projects are well-balanced and involve collaborations with universities beyond the University of Dhaka.
Fifth, the CCS invited a senior Bangladeshi scholar to China for a field research and academic exchange initiative. On November 21, 2024, Professor Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, a distinguished scholar from Bangladesh, arrived in Shanghai. Professor Titumir, former Chairman of the Department of Development Studies of the University of Dhaka and Director of the Board of the Central Bank of Bangladesh, engaged in academic exchanges in Shanghai and also visited Beijing and Chengdu. His itinerary included meetings with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China and the Embassy of Bangladesh in China. Both Chinese and Bangladeshi scholars and officials expressed high satisfaction with the outcomes of these exchanges.
Over the past year, the CCS has successfully navigated unforeseen challenges and achieved significant milestones. In July 2024, the joint statement issued by the governments of both countries explicitly highlighted their support for the CCS in fulfilling its role effectively and endorse exchanges and dialogues between think tanks and scholars from the two nations. The work of the CCS has consistently garnered recognition and support from the central governments of both countries, including the current Interim Government of Bangladesh. Besides, the CCS’ initiatives have received substantial backing from the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government and all collaborating institutions. On behalf of the Academic Board, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all parties for their unwavering support and assistance.
Currently, we are further enhancing the CCS’ institutional framework. The construction of the Chinese-language website is progressing steadily. We are also working on establishing the “Friends of CCS” network, with all partner organizations as members. Furthermore, we are actively promoting the creation of a Chinese-style garden at the University of Dhaka, and the design of the garden and pavilion is currently underway.
II. Work Plan for 2025
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Bangladesh, as well as the “Year of People-to-people Exchange.” Building on this significant milestone, we will meticulously plan this year’s activities, continue to advance the high-quality development of the CCS, and further enhance its unique role in promoting academic and cultural exchanges between China and Bangladesh, thus strengthening the friendship between our peoples.
Organizing the “Bangladesh Young Leaders Delegation to China 2025”: The “Bangladesh Young Leaders Delegation to China 2025” initiative has been formally incorporated into the “China-Bangladesh Year of People-to-people Exchange” agenda. The delegation, comprising approximately 25 members, will include young leaders from diverse fields such as academia, politics, the military, and business. The registration and selection process will commence in April, with the visit to China planned for May-June 2025. The Xinjiang Autonomous Region Government has expressed its intention to host the delegation during their visit. Furthermore, in coordination with the Bangladeshi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the CCS will partner with the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh to organize the “Bangladeshi Young Diplomats Delegation’s Visit to China.” As was the case in 2024, we earnestly seek the active support and collaboration of all partner institutions to ensure the success of these youth exchange initiatives.
2. Commencing the Establishment of the “Friends of CCS” Network Following the Session of the Academic Board of the CCS: This initiative, proposed by Professor Yang Jiemian from the SIIS during his visit to Bangladesh, aims to bring together individuals and institutions from the political, academic, and business communities of both China and Bangladesh to support the CCS’ growth. We encourage all members to share their ideas on how to effectively build the “Friends of CCS” network and enhance its resource base.
3. Organizing the “China-Bangladesh High-Level Strategy Forum”: The forum is tentatively planned for the first half of 2025. It will invite senior experts from leading think tanks in China, Bangladesh, and other South Asian nations to deliberate on socio-economic development, regional cooperation, and strategies to address challenges in China and Bangladesh. We anticipate the active collaboration of all partner institutions in this endeavor.
4. Roll-out of the Senior Bangladeshi Visiting Scholars Program: In 2025, we plan to invite approximately four Bangladeshi scholars to China for a one-month academic exchange program.
5. Continuing to Facilitate Exchanges of Chinese Scholars to Bangladesh for Sharing Development Experiences: In 2025, we plan to invite five Chinese scholars to Dhaka to conduct lectures on topics of significant interest to Bangladesh, including governance of the country, rural development, disaster prevention and mitigation, environmental protection, and climate change. Professor Li Fengting, a fellow of the African Academy of Sciences and a professor at the College of Environmental Science and Engineering at Tongji University, has been the first Chinese expert to visit the CCS in 2025. He delivered a lecture on water pollution control and environmental protection, hosted by Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dhaka. The event also featured the participation of the Environmental Advisor to the Interim Government of Bangladesh and Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen. The second Chinese scholar, Professor Li Xiaoyun, a distinguished expert in agricultural development and rural poverty reduction from China Agricultural University, will visit Bangladesh from March 2 to 7. He will deliver a lecture at the CCS this afternoon.
6. 2025 CCS Project Bidding and 2024 Project Completion: The final deadline for the completion of the 2024 projects is set for July 31, 2025. Prior to this date, three projects will be finalized, and a report release event will be organized. The bidding process for the 2025 projects will be initiated at the earliest opportunity, with two projects designated for Bangladeshi scholars this year.
7. We will launch a program for Chinese scholars and doctoral students to visit Bangladesh for academic exchanges.
8. Development of a Chinese-style Garden at the University of Dhaka: The planning and design of the garden and pavilion are currently underway. Powerchina has committed to securing the necessary funds to ensure the completion of this project.
9. We will also facilitate collaboration between the Shanghai Library and the University of Dhaka, alongside partner libraries in Bangladesh, to foster cultural exchanges and initiate librarian exchange programs between the two nations.
The above CCS 2024 Work Summary and 2025 Work Plan are presented for the review and consideration of the esteemed members of the Academic Board. □
