The partnership envisions promoting scientific research through the joint establishment of laboratories and research centres, collaborative applications for international research funding, and the organisation of bilateral academic seminars.

The memorandum of understanding also provides a framework for student and faculty mobility, including semester-long exchange programmes, short-term academic visits and joint PhD training programmes.

In addition, the collaboration aims to explore technology transfer and industrial partnerships, as well as joint research on public policy, contributing to knowledge creation with practical societal impact.

The memorandum of understanding was signed by Brac University Vice-Chancellor Professor Syed Ferhat Anwar and Anhui Normal University President Professor Xiong Yujie at Brac University.

The agreement follows discussions held at Anhui Normal University in China in October last year, during a visit by a Brac University delegation comprising Treasurer Ariful Islam and Office of Communications Director Khairul Basher.

At the signing ceremony, the Anhui Normal University delegation highlighted the longstanding friendship between Bangladesh and China and expressed interest in establishing a “Confucius Institute” at Brac University, with support from the Chinese embassy in Dhaka.

“Confucius Institutes” are non-profit educational organisations funded by the Chinese government to promote Chinese language and culture and strengthen people-to-people connectivity.

“Brac University and Anhui Normal University bring together unique strengths, and this partnership will enable us to build further on those strengths in a meaningful way,” said Professor Syed Ferhat Anwar.

“By working together, we hope to better serve communities and address some of the shared challenges of the Global South,” he said.

“I also believe our mutual commitment to establishing cultural centres in Bangladesh and China will help strengthen bilateral relations, deepen people-to-people connections and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of our two countries,” he added.

Brac University Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Arshad Mahmud Chowdhury, Treasurer Ariful Islam, Registrar Dr David Dowland and Office of Communications Director Khairul Basher were also present.

Deans, chairpersons and faculty members from different schools and departments also attended the event.