In a significant demonstration of the deepening ties between Bangladesh and China, policymakers, scholars and medical professionals from both nations convened in Dhaka on Thursday for the 2025 China–Bangladesh Symposium on Health and Education Cooperation.
The day-long gathering brought renewed focus to joint efforts in strengthening healthcare services, promoting medical education and enhancing academic exchange. With new projects underway — from advanced medical equipment support to expanding Confucius Institutes and collaborative university programmes — the symposium highlighted how bilateral cooperation is increasingly touching the lives, careers and wellbeing of people across both countries.
The symposium was inaugurated by Li Shaopeng, Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy, who served as the Chief Guest.
Welcoming experts and scholars from the health and education sectors, colleagues working in these fields, leaders of relevant institutions who had specially come from China, representatives of Chinese organisations in Bangladesh, and friends supporting China–Bangladesh friendship, Cultural Counsellor Li Shaopeng said health and education are two enduring themes in the development of human society. They are the foundation for a country's prosperity and national rejuvenation — one focusing on physical well-being and the other on spiritual enrichment and wisdom.
“These two areas are also indispensable parts of the exchanges and cooperation between China and Bangladesh. They not only bring the benefits of our friendship to every citizen but also reflect the importance of the strong relationship between our two countries for social progress and prosperity,” he said.
Calling China and Bangladesh good neighbours who support each other and good partners who move forward together, Li said the friendly exchanges between the two countries have lasted for thousands of years. This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Bangladesh and the China–Bangladesh People-to-People Exchange Year. Under the strategic guidance of their leaders, the relationship has deepened in all fields, with particularly fruitful results in health and education, he added.
“In the field of health, this year we opened up medical treatment in China for Bangladeshi citizens. China donated the world’s most advanced robotic rehabilitation physiotherapy equipment to Bangladesh and, responding to Bangladesh’s urgent needs, sent a medical team of burn experts,” he said.
Sharing details of support for dengue fever and COVID-19 test kits, Li said the burn unit at Chittagong Medical College Hospital — a China-aided project — has already begun construction, and China plans to build a modern general hospital with 1,000 beds in Rangpur.
“Two days ago, we witnessed the unveiling of the China–Bangladesh Joint Cardiovascular Disease Clinic between Fuwai Yunnan Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and the Bangladesh National Institute of Cardiovascular Disease and Hospital. The mobile medical surgical vehicle donated by China to Bangladesh is also on its way,” he added.
He said these initiatives demonstrate the deep affection of the Chinese government and people toward Bangladesh, showing that the friendship between the two countries is rooted in the people, for the people, and supported by all.
In the field of education, he said more and more Bangladeshi citizens are eager to learn Chinese. “We already have three Confucius Institutes and one Confucius Classroom in Bangladesh, with two more added this year — the highest number of new Confucius Institutes established this year. Next month, the Chinese government will send three volunteers to teach Chinese in more schools. Nearly 100 Chinese and Bangladeshi universities have signed cooperation agreements,” he said.
Li Shaopeng said thousands of Bangladeshi students study in China every year, and more experts from both countries exchange visits and conduct joint research. Some universities have even begun pilot projects on joint curriculum development and mutual credit recognition.
“We also plan to set up ‘Chinese Language Workshops’ and ‘Luban Workshops’ in Bangladeshi universities to provide ‘Chinese + Vocational Skills’ education. The educational cooperation between China and Bangladesh not only builds bridges for academic exchanges but also expands academic and career opportunities for young students, significantly enhancing their professional skills and technical abilities,” he added.
He expressed hope that these engagements would further enhance healthcare and education in both countries, improve the well-being of the peoples, and contribute to building a China–Bangladesh community with a shared future.
Nahar Khan, Founder and CEO of Cosmos Health, noted that China remains “consistently among the top sources of foreign medical graduates practicing in Bangladesh,” and has long supported the country with medical supplies, equipment, and the deployment of doctors during critical moments.
She underscored that this cooperation comes at a decisive moment for Bangladesh’s healthcare system. Workforce models based on WHO-recommended staffing ratios indicate that the country could require up to 400,000 additional healthcare professionals by 2032 to meet the needs of a growing population. Against this backdrop, she stressed that Bangladesh and China have enormous potential to deepen their collaboration — from capacity-building exchanges and advanced medical education partnerships to joint research and innovation centers, technology transfer, and expanded cross-border health initiatives that can accelerate system-wide transformation.
“Cosmos Health aims to support Bangladesh’s evolution toward a more modern, efficient, and accessible healthcare system,” she added.
Dr Md Zainal Abedin Tito, Line Director of Hospital Services Management (DGHS); Brig Gen Md Munirul Islam, Director General of BKSP; Dr Fakrul Islam, Secretary of UGC; and Professor Dr Md Abu Hashan Bhuiyan, Vice Chancellor of UITS; along with Nahar Khan, Founder and CEO of Cosmos Health, attended the event alongside representatives from BRAC University, Dhaka University, NSU, SUST, DMCH and various Chinese healthcare groups.
Following the inauguration, guests visited 11 exhibition booths showcasing services and opportunities from Chinese government scholarship programmes, Guangzhou Fosun Chancheng Hospital, Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou, Evercare Hospital, BRAC University, Daffodil University, Belt & Road Healthcare Center, Hope Education, MalishaEdu and others.
