Staff Reporter, Dhaka : BRAC University and Anhui Normal University (ANU) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Thursday, 7 May 2026, to promote academic and institutional collaboration and joint
research across a wide range of disciplines.

The partnership envisions the promotion of scientific research through the joint establishment of laboratories and research centers, collaborative applications for international research funding, and the organization of bilateral academic seminars.

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

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 MoU was signed by Professor Syed Ferhat Anwar, vice-chancellor of BRAC University, and Professor Xiong Yujie, president of ANU, at BRAC University.

The agreement follows discussions held at ANU 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 ANU delegation highlighted the longstanding friendship between Bangladesh and China and expressed interest in establishing a “Confucius Institute” at BRAC University, with the support of the Chinese embassy in Dhaka.

“Confucius Institutes” are non-profit educational organizations 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 centers 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.

Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Arshad Mahmud Chowdhury, Treasurer Ariful Islam, Registrar Dr. David Dowland, Office of Communications Director Khairul Basher, along with deans, chairpersons, and faculty members from various schools and departments, were also present at the event.