China aims to boost edu, health care ties with BD
AL Mamun Harun Ur Rashid :
To deepen its engagement with Bangladesh, China is ramping up efforts to enhance cooperation in the fields of education and healthcare, two key sectors critical to the future of Bangladesh’s development.
Marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the Year of People-to-People Exchanges between the two nations, the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka stated, “We are committed to further deepening mutual understanding and practical cooperation in education and health to promote a shared future for China and Bangladesh.”
Although Bangladesh has over 150 public and private universities and numerous healthcare institutions, concerns about the quality of education and medical services persist.
Each year, more than one million students pass the HSC examination, with many earning a GPA of 5 or close to it. Yet, due to limited seats in public universities, many high-achieving students are unable to gain admission to their preferred institutions or subjects.
Consequently, a significant number of students opt for private universities, often bearing high tuition cost to study in their chosen fields. However, doubts remain about the return on this investment, as job opportunities after graduation are limited, and unemployment continues to rise.
Compounding the issue is the ongoing unrest in educational institutions across the country-a situation that has not fully stabilised even after the fall of the Awami League government last year, which was brought about by a mass uprising led by students.
Driven by institutional instability, high tuition fees, and limited research opportunities, many Bangladeshi students continue to look abroad for higher education. While Europe and the US remain popular, China, along with South Korea and Japan, is increasingly becoming a favoured destination.
According to unofficial figures, over 10,000 Bangladeshi students are currently studying in China, pursuing degrees in medicine, engineering, language, and technical fields.
“The number of Bangladeshi students choosing China is rising every year,” said Dr Mohammad Maruf Hasan, Associate Professor at the School of International Studies, Sichuan University, China. Talking to the New Nation, he also said “China is the name of opportunity for the next generation.”
He noted that China hosts 3117 universities, and 800 universities can accept foreign students besides, including over 50 in the QS Top 500 rankings, and offers cost-effective, high-quality education across various disciplines.
“Chinese universities now attract students from all over the world and uphold international standards,” Hasan added.
“Living costs are lower than in Dhaka, food is cheap, and halal meals are widely available. This country is the safest country in the world so that female students can study here safely and smoothly. There are a huge number of female students from Bangladesh in China’s universities. During their studies, international students can apply for internships. These factors make China affordable and appealing to students from both rich and poor countries.”
About job opportunities, he said while Chinese law restricts job opportunities during studies, recent changes in provinces like Shenzhen have opened new possibilities.
“Now, some students can work part-time; in the near future, this problem will be solved, and after graduation, they can find jobs in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Yiwu, Guangzhou, Sichuan and many other main cities,” said Hasan.
“Job options range from education and engineering to business, IT, and hospitality, and also have a big opportunity to start a business here in China.” Nowadays, the Chinese government has made it easier for foreigners to get a Chinese Green Card (the Chinese government calls it the ‘Five Star Card’). After getting this card, they can live permanently and can enjoy the social facility.
On the healthcare front, China has recently opened four hospitals in Kunming to provide affordable treatment for Bangladeshi patients. Furthermore, a 1,000-bed hospital is being planned in Bangladesh, with the Chinese government currently scouting for a suitable location.
To showcase these developments and promote greater cooperation, the People’s Government of Yunnan Province and the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh will jointly host the “Yunnan Education and Health Promotion” event at the University of Dhaka on April 20.
According to sources, the event will highlight Yunnan’s academic excellence and medical advancements while exploring opportunities for bilateral academic exchange, talent development, and healthcare partnerships.
“This initiative aims to inject new momentum into the long-standing friendship between China and Bangladesh,” said a Chinese Embassy spokesperson. “We are neighbours, and we are committed to mutual development and cooperation for shared future as neighbours.”
The event will be attended by Wang Yubo, Governor of Yunnan Province, and Yao Wen, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, along with top officials from Bangladesh’s Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Maruf Hasan stated, “Bangladesh has no shortage of universities or hospitals. What is truly needed is quality education and world-class medical care. Bangladesh is a friendship and BRI country of China; in this regard, China presents a strong alternative. When students receive high-quality education, it benefits both Bangladesh and China, as their talents and innovations can serve the betterment of humanity. And this kind of cooperation creates a strong bilateral relationship between two countries.”
And of all this, Maruf Hasan stated, “Friendship is the foundation; cooperation is the path; and development knows no borders- China and Bangladesh are walking it together with a long path.”