On September 20, the launch ceremony of the new office of Bangladesh Confucius Institute was held in Bangladesh North South University. Chairman of directorate of North South University Mrs. Rahana Rahman, Vice chancellor Prof. Hafiz G. A. Siddiqi, Principal of Confucius Institute Prof. M. Elias, Secretary General of Bangladesh China People's Friendship Association Mr. Sikder attended the function. Chinese Ambassador H. E. Mr. Zheng Qingdian was present as the special guest.

            

    Ambassador Zheng congratulated on the launching of the new office of Confucius Institute of North South University, the first ever of its kind in South Asia. He said the establishment of Confucius Institute serves as the milestone in the history of educational exchange between China and Bangladesh. He holds the belief that the Institute will run well under the concerted efforts of both sides in a way to make its due contributions to the deepening of cultural and educational exchange and cooperation, and to the strengthening of the friendship between the two countries. Mrs. Rahana expressed that China enjoys centuries-old history and a splendid culture. In today's world, learning Chinese has become a trend. The students in Confucius Institute should not only learn the Chinese language well but also grasp the essence of richness of Chinese culture to get them prepared for making contributions to the flourishing of the bilateral ties in the future.

    Two students who had learnt Chinese in China shared their learning experiences in Chinese and entertained the audience with a bilingual song "Ode to China-Bangladesh Friendship", which was greatly enjoyed and applauded by all the guests present.