China-Bangladesh Collaboration Cultivates Cross-Border Medical and Academic Milestones
Several Bangladeshi universities, including Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) and the University of Dhaka, have signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Kunming Medical University of China to enhance cooperation in joint research, faculty and student exchange, training programs, advanced medical technology sharing, and scholarship opportunities.
The signing took place on Sunday, April 20, at the Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building of the University of Dhaka during an exhibition titled “China-Bangladesh People-to-People Exchange Year: Yunnan Education and Health Promotion.” The event was jointly organized by the Government of Yunnan Province, the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka, and the University of Dhaka.
The event was graced by Noorjahan Begum, Health Affairs Adviser, as the chief guest. Among other dignitaries present were Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen, Governor of Yunnan Province Wang Yubo, Vice Chancellor of Dhaka University Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, Vice Chancellor of BMU Professor Dr. Md. Shahinul Alam, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr. Abul Kalam Azad, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research and Development) Professor Dr. Mojibur Rahman Howlader, Treasurer Professor Dr. Nahrin Akhtar, Registrar Professor Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam, Dean of the Faculty of Surgery Professor Dr. Md. Ruhul Amin, Dean of the Faculty of Pediatrics Professor Dr. Md. Atiar Rahman, and Chairman of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Professor Dr. Md. Abdus Shakur.
Other notable attendees included Dhaka University’s Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr. Saima Haque Bidisha, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed, and Treasurer Professor Dr. M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury.
Highlighting the growing academic cooperation with Chinese institutions, Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan said, “The University of Dhaka has already signed multiple MoUs with top Chinese universities, facilitating joint research and faculty-student exchanges. Today marks another milestone as we have signed an MoU with Yunnan Cancer Hospital to advance medical research and training.”
Speakers emphasized that these agreements will foster deeper bilateral cooperation in education and healthcare between China and Bangladesh while strengthening people-to-people relations. The initiative aims to share Yunnan Province’s expertise and progress in education and healthcare with Bangladesh, promote long-term collaboration, and enhance student and faculty exchange programs, health service training, and technological cooperation. It also seeks to implement joint initiatives through coordination among both governments, universities, and embassies, ultimately strengthening future bilateral relations.
Experts believe this initiative will significantly contribute to the advancement of Bangladesh’s healthcare sector. China’s experience in public health, infectious disease control, and medical training could provide effective support to Bangladesh. The event is expected to deepen ties between the two countries and lay a sustainable foundation for progress in the education and healthcare sectors. It will also play a vital role in disease monitoring, prevention, public health research, medical technology innovation, health security, technical training, and collaborative research.
To further medical research and training, a MoU was signed between the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Dhaka, Yunnan Peking Cancer Hospital, and Kunming Medical University. The event also featured a cultural performance involving artists from both China and Bangladesh and marked the inauguration of the “China-South Asia Youth Exchange Week.” Outside the Senate Building auditorium, 17 booths were set up by universities and medical colleges from Yunnan Province, showcasing educational and healthcare-related displays.
