China-Bangladesh Partnership Forum charts future cooperation at Dhaka Dialogue

The China-Bangladesh Partnership Forum hosted the Dhaka Dialogue 2026 at North South University on January 28, bringing together more than 200 investors, business leaders, academics, thinkers and youth representatives to discuss the future of bilateral cooperation. 

The forum was held against the backdrop of Bangladesh’s political and economic transition ahead of the 2026 national elections, says a press release.

The dialogue highlighted the depth of existing ties between China and Bangladesh and explored opportunities for expanding collaboration across culture, education, investment and innovation.

Adviser to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs Mostofa Sarwar Farooki delivered the keynote address as chief guest, focusing on cultural exchange between the two countries. “The cultural corridor connecting China and Bangladesh is vibrant and ever-expanding,” he said, referring to growing collaboration in film, literature, heritage preservation and people-to-people exchanges. He added that further institutional support could strengthen co-productions, museum exchanges and tourism initiatives.

In his welcome remarks, North South University vice-chancellor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury emphasised the role of academic institutions in advancing bilateral cooperation. He said the university aims to serve as a platform for joint research, student exchanges and policy dialogue to help prepare future leaders and support innovation, sustainable development and knowledge sharing.

Alex Wang, secretary-general of the China-Bangladesh Partnership Forum, outlined a forward-looking roadmap for cooperation. He said the foundation of the partnership, shaped by inclusive development initiatives and recent reform efforts, creates opportunities to expand collaboration beyond infrastructure into areas such as green energy, the digital economy, fintech, agricultural technology, healthcare innovation and climate-resilient development.

The Dhaka Dialogue 2026 concluded with a shared view that continued dialogue and institutional cooperation could further strengthen China-Bangladesh relations and support Bangladesh’s long-term development and regional prosperity.