Md. Shafiqul Islam :
Every year, China provides scholarships to the citizens of different countries intending to develop and exchange education and culture. This year’s circular was published on 24 December on our ministry of education website and 53 Bangladeshi students have got full free Chinese government scholarship through the Chinese embassy in Bangladesh. Besides, many students got the nomination for the Chinese Scholarship through direct application in different universities of China.
China’s education system is now one of the top of popular systems among the international students. A survey by China’s Ministry of Education found that about four million students from different countries are now studying there. China attracts more international students than any other Asian power and ranks third globally, behind the USA and the UK. Many students are enrolled in higher education in China for quality education and relatively low cost. Moreover, if one is fluent in Chinese language, he/she can find the job after that getting the degree. World-class institutions equate Chinese nationals and international students in recruitment. In addition to these, there will be an opportunity to get acquainted with China’s natural beauty and culture. Recently the Chinese governments change the visa systems and approve employment for meritorious students and researchers. China’s 289 universities offer undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, general scholar, and senior scholar degrees in these subjects.
However, now in the corona pandemic situation about ten thousand students are continuing education in China online staying in Bangladesh. About six thousand Bangladeshi students studying in China applied for Covid-19 vaccination through Chinese Dhaka embassy.
Others have taken vaccination from different sources, or some are waiting for taking vaccination after registration.
However, the Bangladeshi students who are now in their home country, are unable to meet their fellows in China, and consequently deprived of cultural exchanges. Some students need practical classes with lab facilities, but now it is not possible because they failed to go there due to Covid-19 situation worldwide. On the other hand, some research students require face-to-face communication with their respective supervisors or tutor. In that case, PhD students are in dilemma in doing quality research.
Bangladesh and China have deep friendly relations. China government is assisting Bangladesh by providing medical instruments and in many other ways. Therefore, people of Bangladesh are grateful to Chinese Government.
Bangladeshi students studying in China are eagerly waiting for the Chinese Government’s approval to go to China to resume their in their respective department of the university. I am sincerely request the Chinese government to allow the Bangladeshi students to enter China. It is a great help for the students. The Chinese government in that case may create rules that students must be fully vaccinated. In arrival to China, they must be in 14 days quarantine and should carry Covid-19 negative report or certificate before 72 hours of their flying. So far I know, students are agreed to follow instruction given by the Chinese authority. Even the Chinese government may take the students by rotation based on provinces of China. If any other requirements are thought essential, China can regulate for students in entering the country.
Students are talking to the Chinese embassy and submitting application in the Bangladesh Ministry of Education. The upcoming session will commence in September 2021. In this session, students need permission to go to China. If they are given permission, they will be delighted and motivated to study in China. If students are not permitted this September, it is more problematic for science and research students. They have to wait for the next semester of February, 2022.
It is our humble request to the Chinese Government to allow the Bangladeshi Students to go to their respective universities in China. Our students are trying their best to contribute to China through research. We believe, people to people friendship between China and Bangladesh will continue forever.
(The writer is Assistant Professor, Dept. of Accounting and Information Systems, Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University, Bangladesh).
