China Book Corner Opens in Bangladesh; Youth Exchange Event Held

Beijing, China – May 15, 2025 – On May 11th, the National Library of Bangladesh hosted the inauguration of the China Book Corner and the “Reading China” China-Bangladesh Youth Exchange. The event saw the participation of nearly 300 guests and representatives from both nations.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, highlighted the long-standing friendly relations and comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between China and Bangladesh, noting their shared history of cultural exchange. He expressed his hope that the China Book Corner will act as a distinguished platform for cultural exchange, fostering deeper understanding and appreciation between the peoples of the two countries and promoting meaningful people-to-people interactions.

Md. Mofidur Rahman, Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs of Bangladesh, commented on the increasing interconnectedness of countries in the era of globalization. He acknowledged the extensive cooperation between China and Bangladesh in infrastructure development and strategic partnerships, alongside strong economic ties. He believes that the moment is right to extend this collaboration to the cultural sphere, and that the China Book Corner will provide a new perspective on Chinese culture, marking the start of a collaborative journey between the two nations.

Du Zhanyuan, President of China International Communications Group (CICG), stated that the establishment of the China Book Corner in Bangladesh and the launch of the “Reading China” China-Bangladesh Youth Exchange event, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Bangladesh, are tangible steps to further realize the important outcomes of the meeting between the leaders of both countries. These initiatives seek to enhance people-to-people exchanges and mutual learning between civilizations, consolidating strength and wisdom for enduring friendship and shared development between China and Bangladesh. He emphasized the vital role of books in transmitting and enriching human civilizations and expressed his hope that young people will embrace books, use literature as a bridge, and improve mutual understanding through reading and communication, injecting youthful vigor into the long-term development of China-Bangladesh cultural relations.

Mostafa Sarwar Farooki, Advisor of Cultural Affairs of Bangladesh, affirmed that China and Bangladesh have a history of being reliable and friendly partners. He sees the creation of the China Book Corner as a significant accomplishment in putting into action the spirit of the meeting between the two countries’ leaders and as a prime example of China-Bangladesh cultural cooperation. He hopes for continued and deepened cooperation between the two sides, increased cultural exchange, and expanded collaboration in diverse areas such as new media and film.

During the China-Bangladesh Youth Exchange session, Mostak Ahamed Galib, Executive Director of the Center for Intercultural Communication and BRI Studies, Wuhan University of Technology, emphasized the deep historical roots of the lasting friendship between China and Bangladesh. He urged the youth of both countries to collaborate in building a community with a shared future for mankind and to create a harmonious and beautiful future together.

Zeng Qiong, a professor from the School of Asian Studies at Beijing Foreign Studies University, shared stories of cultural exchange between China and Bangladesh through language and literature. She illustrated how young people from both countries enhance their mutual understanding by learning each other’s languages, folk ballads, and literary works, highlighting the dynamism of cultural integration.

Nilu Akter, a lecturer at the Confucius Institute of the University of Dhaka, shared her insights into Chinese tea culture, describing tea as a philosophy and a bridge connecting hearts and cultures. She encouraged young people to remain curious and explore diverse cultures, using tea as a means to convey friendship and goodwill.

Zhu Yufan, Deputy Director and Associate Research Fellow of the Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Cultural Exchange Teaching & Research Office at the Chinese Culture Teaching & Research Department of the Chinese Culture Academy, stated that the joint development of the BRI has led to more frequent people-to-people exchanges, deeper mutual understanding, and richer cultural interactions between China and Bangladesh, thus bringing the peoples of the two countries closer.

Masud Rana, a young representative from China Railway International Co., Ltd. in Bangladesh, shared his experiences working at a Chinese company. He stated that the BRI has brought many benefits to his life and the lives of many Bangladeshis, and he looks forward to continuing to work alongside his Chinese colleagues to usher in a new era in China-Bangladesh relations.

Ren Ruike, a Chinese youth representative of PowerChina stationed at Bangladesh’s Dasherkandi project, explained that the Dasherkandi Sewage Treatment Plant, built with Chinese assistance, can effectively treat urban sewage from approximately 5 million urban residents in Dhaka, representing a significant achievement of China-Bangladesh economic cooperation within the framework of the BRI.

The event was a joint effort by China International Communications Group (CICG), the Ministry of Cultural Affairs of Bangladesh, and the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh. CICG Center for International Cultural Communication (CICC) and the Department of Archives and Library of Bangladesh jointly organized the event, with co-organization from the Confucius Institute at the University of Dhaka. As per the Memorandum of Understanding for the China Book Corner, CICG will collaborate with Bangladesh’s Department of Archives and Library for a minimum of five years, committing to donate 5,000 books or cultural products of equivalent value.