China’s attempt to influence Bangladeshi youth: Center for China Studies

During the 1971 war, Pakistan attempted to destroy the intellectual backbone of Bangladesh by killing its intellectuals. Today, China, an ally of Pakistan at that time, is aiming to destroy the conscience of the country’s youth, casting a dark shadow over Bangladesh’s future. While Islamabad used bullets and bombs for its purposes, supported by traitors like Rajakars and Al-Badr, China now employs a different weapon. China has now chosen a different path. To establish its soft power dominance in Bangladesh, China has introduced an initiative called the ‘Center for China Studies.’With the help of ‘Shanghai Institute of International Studies’ and some local intellectuals, China is trying to influence the youth of various universities in Bangladesh
After weakening Sri Lanka and Pakistan through its ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ (BRI), China has now set its sights on Bangladesh. In both Pakistan and Lanka China allegedly spread its influence among the youth through the Center for China Studies in educational institutions.

China has initiated BRI in Bangladesh. However, there is already opposition to Chinese projects in various parts of the country. Chinese companies are forcing local workers to work for low wages, Dhaka-based sources alleged. There is also opposition to awarding contracts to Chinese companies. China’s anti-Islamic policies have also created reservations.

This March a new Chinese initiative was launched at the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building auditorium of Dhaka University. Through a memorandum of understanding with the Shanghai Institute of International Studies, the Center for China Studies was launched. Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen inaugurated this center. Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor ASM Maksud Kamal and President of the Shanghai Institute for International Studies Professor Chen Dongxiao signed the memorandum on behalf of their respective institutions. A ‘Letter of Intent’ was also signed simultaneously.

In addition to Dhaka University, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology and Noakhali University of Science and Technology were also present at the inauguration of the Center for China Studies. It has been reported that China is desperate to enter other prominent higher education institutions in Bangladesh as well with local level support.During the inauguration of the Center for China Studies, the Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University said, “The Center for China Studies, established at Dhaka University, will play a crucial role in conducting joint education and research programs with various renowned Chinese universities and educational institutions, teacher-student exchanges, and cooperation in innovation.” The Chinese Ambassador said, “The center will play an important role in mutual cooperation between China and Bangladesh, especially in education, research, cultural and socio-economic development, and strengthening bilateral friendly relations between the two countries.” But there is a lack of trust over China’s real motive and there are fears of debt trap.

Numerous Chinese academic institutes — the Chinese Institute of Contemporary China and World Studies, East China Normal Studies, and Tongji University, are entering into collaboration in various countries with an eye to influence local youth.

Sources alleged that many students who went to study in China have disappeared. Some have returned to work as agents of Chinese fraudsters. The quality of Chinese education is not satisfactory, sources alleged.

Genocide is being carried out against Uyghur Muslims there and mosques are being demolished by bulldozers. Praying is also forbidden there and there are increasing reports of flesh trade. Concerns have arisen that the Center for China Studies might become a new weapon for human trafficking.