East West University has inaugurated its Foreign Language Centre to strengthen students’ language skills, improve employment prospects, and promote global connectivity and cultural understanding.

The centre was inaugurated at the university’s Manzur Elahi Auditorium on Thursday, 9 July 2026, according to a press release.

Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi attended the ceremony as the chief guest.

In his address, Saida Shinichi praised the initiative, saying the launch of the Foreign Language Centre was a timely step to prepare students for the global stage.

He expressed optimism that the initiative would further strengthen the longstanding relations between Bangladesh and Japan.

The ambassador also thanked East West University for choosing Japanese as the centre’s first language curriculum.

The programme was chaired by East West University Board of Trustees Chairperson and former Bangladesh Bank governor Professor Dr Mohammed Farashuddin.

In his closing remarks, Dr Farashuddin said East West University established the centre in line with the prime minister’s call for learning a third language.

He said the initiative would help students go beyond borders and develop themselves as global graduates.

Deputy Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office Hedayatul Islam attended the event as the special guest.

He reaffirmed the government’s support for such progressive educational initiatives, saying they would contribute to building a skilled workforce.

Earlier, East West University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Shams Rahman delivered the welcome speech, greeting the distinguished guests, faculty members and students.

He said the Foreign Language Centre would serve as a vibrant hub for academic and cultural exchange.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by East West University faculty members and students, members of the Japan Alumni Association, officials from different government offices, and representatives of the Embassy of Japan.