Highlighting the long-standing and deep-rooted ties between Bangladesh and China, Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka, Li Shaopeng, on Monday said young writers are playing a vital role in building a bridge of friendship between the two nations.
He made the remarks as the chief guest at the award distribution ceremony of the "Ni Hao China" Writing Award 2026, held at the Bishwo Shahitto Kendro auditorium in the capital.
The event was jointly organized by the Association of Bangladesh-China Alumni (ABCA) and the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Dhaka to recognize contributions to enhancing mutual understanding, education, and cultural exchange.
Presided over by ABCA Vice President and Dhaka University Population Sciences Professor Dr. Mohammad Mainul Islam, the event featured a welcome address by ABCA Joint Secretary Dr. Md. Abu Kawsar Swapan. ABCA General Secretary and Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) Politics Studies Professor Dr. Md. Sahabul Hoque conducted the program, assisted by ABCA Social Welfare Secretary Jannatun Nahar.
Ma Xiaoyan, Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute at North South University, spoke on behalf of the co-organizers, while Rajshahi University Professor Dr. Kanak Parvez addressed the audience representing the award winners.
Open from April 6 to June 10, the competition invited submissions from current and former Bangladeshi students at Chinese universities and Chinese language learners at Confucius Institutes. A total of 51 articles published in various national newspapers were submitted, which were evaluated by a three-member judicial panel.
The panel comprised Dr. Md. Mofizur Rahman, Associate Professor at the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education; Dr. Md. Bashir Uddin Khan, Professor of Criminology at Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University; and Dr. Shariful Islam Imshiat, Assistant Professor of Media, Communication and Journalism at North South University.
The winners were awarded across three categories:
China’s Governance and Development Model: Md. Saikat Hossain secured the first position, followed by Mohammad Sayedul Islam in second, and A K M Kanak Parvez in third.
Education and Life Experience in China: Mohammad Mansur Alam won the first prize, with Md. Abu Kawsar and Md. Monjurul Hasan placed second and third, respectively.
China’s Culture, Tourism, and Major Destinations: Md. Talebur Islam achieved the top position, while Afifa Ibnat Lamia and Mohammad Shoaib stood second and third, respectively.
The ceremony was attended by Jagannath University Management Professor Dr. Miraj Ahmed, Jagannath University Politics Studies Professor Saudagar Mesbah Alam, ABCA Joint Secretary Maruf Hasan, Bangladesh-China Youth Student Association (BCYSA) Office Secretary Mohammad Adil, and former BCYSA President Dr. Jannatul Arif, among other distinguished guests.