Chinese literature club launched in Dhaka marking golden jubilee of China–Bangladesh ties

The Chinese Literature Readers Club was formally launched in Dhaka on Friday to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Bangladesh, with the aim of deepening literary and cultural exchange between the two countries.

The inauguration ceremony was held in the morning at the Apan Friendship Exchange Centre in Baridhara. The initiative was organised by the centre in collaboration with the Writers Association of China.

Chinese Embassy Cultural Counsellor Li Xiaofeng and Yu Guangyue Anandi, Director of the Bangla Department of China Media Group (CMG), jointly unveiled the club’s plaque as chief guests at the event.

Renowned Bangladeshi writers, publishers, researchers and literature enthusiasts were also present at the programme.

In his opening remarks, Yu Guangyue Anandi said China has a rich literary heritage shaped by a history spanning over 5,000 years. “Through this club, Bangladeshi readers will have greater access to Chinese literature, and literary exchange between the two countries will further expand,” he said, adding that the Chinese Embassy would continue its support for the initiative.

Eminent Bangladeshi writer Ahmed Riaz said the folk traditions of both countries go back thousands of years. “The exchange of folk tales could be a starting point for deeper literary engagement between China and Bangladesh. This can act as a strong bridge, enabling broader exchanges across other branches of literature,” he noted.

Pradip Roy, publisher of Proshiddho Publishers, said the club could create opportunities for translating Chinese books into Bangla and Bangladeshi books into Chinese. He suggested simplifying copyright procedures for translating Chinese works, while also highlighting the potential for greater participation of publishers in each other’s book fairs and exchanges in modern publishing technology.

Faisal Abdullah, Feature Editor of CMG Bangla’s Dhaka office, said Bangladeshi readers have so far had limited access to Chinese literature due to language barriers. “The Chinese Literature Readers Club can serve as a strong platform for translating, publishing and promoting Chinese books in Bangla. At the same time, Chinese translations of Bangladeshi books will allow Chinese readers to explore Bangladeshi stories and poetry,” he said.

Speaking at the event, Cultural Counsellor Li Xiaofeng described the establishment of the club as highly significant, given the rich cultural foundations of both nations. He said the platform would create opportunities for in-depth dialogue among writers, researchers and readers from China and Bangladesh.

Li also noted that in recent years bilateral relations have reached new heights under the strategic guidance of the top leadership of both countries. “People-to-people exchanges, particularly in literature and ideas, will further strengthen this relationship,” he said, describing the club as a vivid example of ‘people-to-people connectivity’ under the Belt and Road Initiative.

He emphasised the importance of organising regular reading sessions involving Bangladeshi writers at the Chinese Book Corner of the National Library and assured continued support for Bangladeshi writers and publishers working on Chinese literature.