Bangladesh–China Relations, Future BRI Projects, & the Contributions of the We Speak Chinese Club Bangladesh Limited (WSCC) Think Tank
Bangladesh and China have enjoyed a long-standing friendship based on mutual respect, trust, and cooperation.
Over the past five decades, this relationship has expanded from diplomatic engagement to encompass trade, investment, infrastructure, education, healthcare, technology, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people connectivity.
Recent high-level interactions between the leaders and governments of the two countries indicate that Bangladesh–China relations are entering a new phase of practical cooperation and strategic partnership.
For many years, We Speak Chinese Club Bangladesh Limited (WSCC), a government-registered public limited organization dedicated to promoting Chinese language education and Bangladesh–China friendship, has been contributing to bilateral understanding through academic discussions, seminars, policy recommendations, research activities, and people-to-people exchanges.
A key component of WSCC’s activities has been its Think Tank, comprising members with extensive experience and expertise in Bangladesh–China relations, diplomacy, education, business, development cooperation, and cultural exchanges.
The Think Tank regularly organizes discussions to identify opportunities and challenges in bilateral relations and subsequently communicates constructive recommendations to relevant authorities through seminars, roundtable discussions, articles, public forums, social media platforms, and informal channels of engagement.
Many of these recommendations have received positive responses from stakeholders in both Bangladesh and China. More importantly, it has been encouraging to observe that a number of issues repeatedly highlighted by the WSCC Think Tank have gradually emerged within official discussions and cooperative initiatives between the two countries.
One notable example was the roundtable discussion on “China–Bangladesh Relations and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)” held at the MBA Building of the University of Dhaka on 20 May 2024.
The event brought together scholars from the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences (SASS), academics from the University of Dhaka, diplomats, researchers, and experts on Bangladesh–China relations.
The discussion was moderated by former Ambassador Mahbub Uz Zaman, Adviser of WSCC and Chairman of the Center for East Asia Foundation (CEAF). Mr. Nasim Mahmud, Executive Director of CEAF and a member of WSCC, delivered the welcome address, while Professor Dr. Muhammad Abdul Moyeen, Dean of the Faculty of Business Studies, University of Dhaka, attended as Chief Guest.
During the event, I presented a number of proposals regarding future Belt and Road Initiative projects that could generate direct benefits for the people of Bangladesh and further strengthen Bangladesh–China cooperation.
The proposals included the establishment of international-standard hospitals and universities in each of Bangladesh’s eight administrative divisions, ensuring equitable distribution of development opportunities across the country.
Another proposal emphasized the construction of high-speed railway connectivity linking major regions with Dhaka to facilitate economic growth and regional integration.
Recognizing the immense potential of the Bay of Bengal, the WSCC Think Tank also proposed the establishment of a world-class research center dedicated to marine resources and the blue economy.
In addition, a large vocational and technical training complex focusing on modern skills development, Chinese language education, and workforce preparation was proposed to support future employment opportunities both domestically and internationally.
The Think Tank further recommended greater support for Chinese language education at school, college, and rural levels, including teacher-training programs and institutional cooperation. Since language serves as a bridge between peoples and cultures, such initiatives could significantly strengthen people-to-people relations between Bangladesh and China.
Another proposal was the establishment of a comprehensive China–Bangladesh Complex, strategically located outside Dhaka but well connected to the international airport. Such a complex could serve as a hub for business promotion, exhibitions, cultural exchanges, conferences, tourism, investment facilitation, accommodation, sports, and recreational activities.
The Think Tank also emphasized that future BRI projects should focus not only on infrastructure development but also on employment generation, technology transfer, skills development, healthcare, education, and other initiatives capable of directly improving the lives of ordinary citizens.
Prior to several important bilateral engagements over the past two years, including high-level visits and strategic discussions between Bangladesh and China, members of the WSCC Think Tank continued to share recommendations on economic cooperation, investment, connectivity, healthcare, education, digital transformation, water resource management, human resource development, and people-to-people exchanges.
The Joint Press Release issued following the meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman in Beijing on 6 May 2026 was particularly encouraging.
The document highlighted cooperation in trade, investment, industry, digital economy, water resources, healthcare, Belt and Road cooperation, and people-to-people contacts. The inclusion of many of these sectors reflects priorities that the WSCC Think Tank has consistently emphasized over the years.
Similarly, recent high-level exchanges between the two countries have generated optimism regarding future cooperation in infrastructure, economic development, investment, education, technology, and human resource development.
China’s continued commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s development aspirations and Bangladesh’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation provide a solid foundation for future progress.
As Bangladesh and China continue to advance their Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership, the ultimate measure of success should be the tangible benefits delivered to ordinary people.
Sustainable development, employment generation, improved healthcare, quality education, enhanced skills, technology transfer, and stronger economic opportunities should remain central objectives of all future initiatives.
The fiftieth anniversary era of Bangladesh–China diplomatic relations presents a unique opportunity to elevate cooperation to a new level. With mutual trust, strategic vision, and people-centered development, both countries can create a model of cooperation that benefits not only Bangladesh and China but also contributes to regional stability and prosperity.
Looking ahead, the Think Tank of We Speak Chinese Club Bangladesh Limited (WSCC) will continue to contribute ideas, research, and constructive recommendations aimed at further strengthening Bangladesh–China relations.
It is encouraging to observe that many developments are unfolding in directions consistent with proposals and recommendations that WSCC has advocated over the years. We remain committed to supporting stronger friendship, deeper cooperation, and greater mutual understanding between the peoples of Bangladesh and China.
(Author: Founder and General Secretary, We Speak Chinese Club Bangladesh Limited (WSCC); Adjunct Professor, Institute of Professional Language (IPL), Bangladesh Maritime University (BMU); Graduate in Chinese Language from Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU), China; Recipient of the China–Bangladesh Friendship Award 2023)
