DHAKA, Dec 13, 2025 (BSS) - The Confucius Institute was inaugurated at Rajshahi University (RU) today, marking a major step in expanding Chinese language education and cultural exchange in northwestern Bangladesh. Education Adviser Professor Dr. Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen, University Grants Commission Chairman Prof Dr. Syed Mohammad Abul Faiz and other distinguished guests attended the ceremony held at Uttara in Dhaka, said a press release here. Education Adviser Abrar, Ambassador Yao and several dignitaries highlighted the institute's role in strengthening Bangladesh-China educational cooperation and people-to-people connectivity. Around 300 participants including leaders of higher education institutions from Bangladesh and China, media representatives, members of the Chinese business community, teachers and students from Confucius Institute classrooms, and Chinese student representatives joined the event, which took place in a festive atmosphere. The programme featured lion dance performances, presentations by Confucius Institute teachers and students, traditional tea ceremonies, calligraphy demonstrations and interactive activities showcasing Chinese culture and bilateral cultural ties. As the first Confucius Institute established outside Dhaka, the RU centre is expected to address the need for high-quality Chinese language education in the northwest region and serve as a new platform for academic collaboration and cultural exchange between the two countries.