CIU launches Bangla language course for foreigners

Chittagong Independent University (CIU) has launched a Bangla language certificate course for to help foreign nationals living and working in Chattogram improve their language skills and gain a deeper understanding of Bangladesh’s culture and heritage.

Dr Susan Vize, head of office and UNESCO representative to Bangladesh, attended the inauguration virtually as the chief guest on Monday, while CIU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr MM Nurul Absar chaired the event.

Dr Md Khaled Bin Chowdhury, dean of the School of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, delivered the opening remarks. Yan Yijiang, a member of the Overseas Chinese Association in Chattogram, also spoke at the event. Deans, faculty members, senior university officials and the registrar were present.

Chattogram is looking to strengthen its position as a major business and economic centre, with the government prioritising its development as a regional trade and logistics hub.

In this backdrop, the new language course at CIU aims to help foreign investors and professionals communicate in Bangla and engage more effectively with local communities.

The course is modelled after Chinese language classes, which were offered to the local community through the Confucius Institute Chinese Language Site at CIU earlier this year.

The initiative marks another step in the university’s internationalisation strategy, CIU administration has said.

CIU plans to expand its language courses to include more foreign languages, promoting cross-cultural understanding and strengthening ties between local and international communities, it added.