Print: 30 Oct 2025
As Bangladesh and China celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties, stories of collaboration and shared experiences add depth to the friendship between the two nations. Beyond the realm of policy and trade, the journeys of individuals like students, professionals and scholars reflect the human side of this enduring partnership.
Among these inspiring stories is that of Dr Shariful Islam Imshiat, assistant professor at the Department of Media, Communication and Journalism at North South University, who pursued his PhD in Journalism and Communication at Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan between 2016 and 2020.
His time in China not only strengthened his academic journey but also opened new horizons of cultural understanding, innovation, and growth.
For many Bangladeshis, the thought of studying in China still carries certain misconceptions. Concerns about communication barriers, cultural gaps and adjustment difficulties often discourage students from considering the country as an option for higher education.
“Before going, I thought I would face many problems as a fresher in a new country. But in reality, people in China were very cooperative and supportive. They helped me at every step,” he recalled with gratitude.
The campus he called home for four years was itself a testament to China’s commitment to education. Clean, green and carefully maintained, it offered a surrounding filled with scenic gardens, tranquil walkways and an atmosphere conducive to reflection and learning.
“It often felt like living in a paradise, with an environment perfectly suited for study and growth,” he described.
China’s universities, with their rise in global rankings, represent the nation’s tremendous progress in education and research.
Dr Shariful’s experience reflected this reality. He found the education system both rigorous and nurturing, where supervisors and faculty members encouraged students to push beyond their limits while offering steady guidance.
“Education in China is accessible and the cost of food and accommodation is very reasonable compared to many other countries,” he said, pointing out how this accessibility opened the door for students from diverse backgrounds to pursue higher education.
His journey, however, extended far beyond classrooms and lecture halls. During his stay, Dr Shariful had the unique opportunity to work with Xinhua News Agency, China’s largest and most influential media institution.
There, he observed firsthand the discipline, precision, and multi-tasking nature of Chinese journalism.
“Their newsroom was highly disciplined, strictly following the basic principles of journalism. At the same time, they were extremely professional and efficient, which inspired me a lot,” he shared.
These professional experiences not only sharpened his practical skills but also enriched his academic perspective, allowing him to return to Bangladesh with insights that would shape the way he teaches and mentors future journalists.
While China offered him every reason to feel at home – supportivepeople, an ideal learning environment and professional opportunities, Dr Shariful never lost sight of his purpose. Despite the comforts, he never considered settling there permanently.
“My goal was always clear. I wanted to learn from China’s discipline and education system and then return to Bangladesh to contribute,” he said with conviction.
His story is more than an individual journey.It's a reflection of the growing educational and cultural ties between Bangladesh and China.
Thousands of Bangladeshi students now choose China as their study destination and each of their stories adds another thread to the fabric of friendship binding the two countries together.
As both nations mark half a century of diplomatic relations, stories like Dr Shariful’s remind us that people-to-people connections are the strongest foundation of any international relationship.They build bridges of trust and understanding that endure beyond politics or economics.
For the next generation of Bangladeshi students considering their options abroad, his experience offers reassurance and inspiration.
Reflecting on his years in Wuhan, Dr Shariful said, “Studying in China was not just about education. It was about discovering a new way of life, a culture that embraces innovation and respect. I carry those lessons with me and I hope to pass them on to my students and my country.”
His journey captures the essence of what it means to study abroad: not only learning new knowledge but also experiencing new worlds, creating new bonds and discovering new purposes.It is this personal growth that enriches both the individual and the nation they represent.
As Bangladesh and China continue their journey together, the story of Dr Shariful stands as a shining example of how education serves as the most powerful bridge between cultures, strengthening ties that endure for generations.
The reporter can be reached [email protected]
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More From China Day Special
More From China Day Special
Dr Shariful Islam Imshiat’s study experience in China: A journey of learning and growth
As Bangladesh and China celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties, stories of collaboration and shared experiences add depth to the friendship between the two nations. Beyond the realm of policy and trade, the journeys of individuals like students, professionals and scholars reflect the human side of this enduring partnership.
Among these inspiring stories is that of Dr Shariful Islam Imshiat, assistant professor at the Department of Media, Communication and Journalism at North South University, who pursued his PhD in Journalism and Communication at Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan between 2016 and 2020.
His time in China not only strengthened his academic journey but also opened new horizons of cultural understanding, innovation, and growth.
For many Bangladeshis, the thought of studying in China still carries certain misconceptions. Concerns about communication barriers, cultural gaps and adjustment difficulties often discourage students from considering the country as an option for higher education.
“Before going, I thought I would face many problems as a fresher in a new country. But in reality, people in China were very cooperative and supportive. They helped me at every step,” he recalled with gratitude.
The campus he called home for four years was itself a testament to China’s commitment to education. Clean, green and carefully maintained, it offered a surrounding filled with scenic gardens, tranquil walkways and an atmosphere conducive to reflection and learning.
“It often felt like living in a paradise, with an environment perfectly suited for study and growth,” he described.
China’s universities, with their rise in global rankings, represent the nation’s tremendous progress in education and research.
Dr Shariful’s experience reflected this reality. He found the education system both rigorous and nurturing, where supervisors and faculty members encouraged students to push beyond their limits while offering steady guidance.
“Education in China is accessible and the cost of food and accommodation is very reasonable compared to many other countries,” he said, pointing out how this accessibility opened the door for students from diverse backgrounds to pursue higher education.
His journey, however, extended far beyond classrooms and lecture halls. During his stay, Dr Shariful had the unique opportunity to work with Xinhua News Agency, China’s largest and most influential media institution.
There, he observed firsthand the discipline, precision, and multi-tasking nature of Chinese journalism.
“Their newsroom was highly disciplined, strictly following the basic principles of journalism. At the same time, they were extremely professional and efficient, which inspired me a lot,” he shared.
These professional experiences not only sharpened his practical skills but also enriched his academic perspective, allowing him to return to Bangladesh with insights that would shape the way he teaches and mentors future journalists.
While China offered him every reason to feel at home – supportivepeople, an ideal learning environment and professional opportunities, Dr Shariful never lost sight of his purpose. Despite the comforts, he never considered settling there permanently.
“My goal was always clear. I wanted to learn from China’s discipline and education system and then return to Bangladesh to contribute,” he said with conviction.
His story is more than an individual journey.It's a reflection of the growing educational and cultural ties between Bangladesh and China.
Thousands of Bangladeshi students now choose China as their study destination and each of their stories adds another thread to the fabric of friendship binding the two countries together.
As both nations mark half a century of diplomatic relations, stories like Dr Shariful’s remind us that people-to-people connections are the strongest foundation of any international relationship.They build bridges of trust and understanding that endure beyond politics or economics.
For the next generation of Bangladeshi students considering their options abroad, his experience offers reassurance and inspiration.
Reflecting on his years in Wuhan, Dr Shariful said, “Studying in China was not just about education. It was about discovering a new way of life, a culture that embraces innovation and respect. I carry those lessons with me and I hope to pass them on to my students and my country.”
His journey captures the essence of what it means to study abroad: not only learning new knowledge but also experiencing new worlds, creating new bonds and discovering new purposes.It is this personal growth that enriches both the individual and the nation they represent.
As Bangladesh and China continue their journey together, the story of Dr Shariful stands as a shining example of how education serves as the most powerful bridge between cultures, strengthening ties that endure for generations.
The reporter can be reached [email protected]