Bridging cultures: BracU host Chinese cultural exhibition 

From 22nd to 26th June, the Brac Institute of Languages (BIL) hosted the Chinese Intangible Cultural Heritage Week, organized by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Bangladesh. To celebrate the “Millennium Cultural Bonds: China-Bangladesh Cultural Exchange Month” the Chinese Culture Exhibition was held at the Exhibition Gallery of Brac University.

The opening of the ceremony was formally graced on 22nd June by Dr. Syed Ferhat Anwar (Vice-Chancellor, BracU). Some of the special guests included Dr. Susan Vize (head of Office and country representative to UNESCO Dhaka), Mohammad Wares Hossain (Acting Director General, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy), Ariful Haque (Director, National Library of Bangladesh), and Li Shaopeng (Cultural Advisor, Chinese Embassy). 

The event attracted a diverse audience through its captivating exhibition of numerous traditional Chinese artworks and ideographic Dongba script of legendary artists, including Qin Bailan, Han Zhiqiang and Yuan Xiuhuan. Reflecting on the event, it invited many curious minds wandering around. For many, it was more than just an educational experience; rather, it took them on a journey through history, art, and culture, which left a longing impression on them. One of the students, Abrar Tajwar ( Sophomore, ESS) shared, “Seeing the artifacts helped me understand how different cultures can connect. It also made me think about where our traditions stand in the world.” 

With that, the exhibition provided a meaningful exchange of culture and history, hence, promoting a deeper appreciation and discourse among the people of Bangladesh and China and the community of BracU had the valuable opportunity to witness this cultural exchange firsthand.