The Confucius Institute has officially commenced its journey at Chittagong University (CU).
The inaugural ceremony of the institute was held this afternoon at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in Dhaka.
Established through a joint initiative between CU and China’s Yunnan Minzu University, the Confucius Institute was founded under an agreement signed in Beijing last November.
Zhao Chunmin, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Yunnan Provincial Committee, attended the opening ceremony as the chief guest.
Special guests included Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen, UGC Member Prof. Dr. Abdullah-Al-Mamun and CU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Mohammad Al-Forkan.
CU Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Prof. Dr. Mohammed Al-Amin, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Admin) Prof. Dr. Md. Safiqul Islam and Institute Director Prof. Dr. Md. Kamal Uddin, among others, were also present.
Speaking at the event, CU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Mohammad Al-Forkan said, “Today is a memorable milestone for CU, marking the beginning of a new chapter in academic cooperation, cultural exchange, and robust friendship between Bangladesh and China.”
He added, “The Confucius Institute is not merely a language learning centre; it will serve as a powerful bridge connecting the people, cultures, and ideologies of the two nations.”
Zhao Chunmin said, “Yunnan province will continuously support the activities of the Confucius Institute. At the same time, we will help both universities build and enrich this institute further based on their unique characteristics and expertise.”
Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen said, “The Confucius Institute can play a vital role in developing the skilled manpower required for industrial zone development in the Chattogram region as well as Bangladesh-China trade and economic cooperation.”
Later, the guests jointly unveiled the plaque of the CU Confucius Institute.
-BSS
