Marking the golden jubilee of China-Bangladesh diplomatic relations, the Chinese Literature Readers Club was formally launched in the capital today to strengthen literary and cultural exchanges between the two countries.
The inauguration ceremony was held in the morning at the Apon Friendship Exchange Center in the city’s Baridhara area, where speakers expressed optimism that the initiative would promote people-to-people connectivity through literature and intellectual dialogue.
Jointly organised by the China Writers Association and the Apon Friendship Exchange Center, the club aims to create a sustainable platform for cooperation among writers, researchers, publishers and readers of both countries.
The club’s plaque was unveiled by Li Shaofeng, cultural counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh, and Yu Guangyue Anandi, director of the Bangla Department of China Media Group (CMG), in the presence of noted Bangladeshi writers, publishers, researchers and literature enthusiasts.
Speaking on the occasion, Yu Guangyue Anandi said China has a five-thousand-year old history and a rich literary heritage, adding that the club would allow Bangladeshi readers greater access to Chinese literature and help expand bilateral literary exchanges.
Eminent writer Ahmed Riaz said the folk traditions of both countries span thousands of years, noting that the exchange of folk narratives could serve as a strong foundation for wider literary cooperation.
Publisher Pradip Roy of Prosidhi Publishers said the club would open opportunities to translate Chinese books into Bangla and Bangladeshi books into Chinese, while also encouraging collaboration in book fairs and the exchange of modern publishing technologies.
Faisal Abdullah, feature editor of CMG Bangla’s Dhaka office, said language barriers have limited Bangladeshi readers’ access to Chinese literature, expressing hope that the club would serve as an effective platform for translation, publication and promotion of literary works from both countries.
In his remarks, Cultural Counsellor of Chinese Embassy Li Shaofeng said the establishment of the club was significant, as it would enable deeper dialogue among writers, researchers and readers of both nations.
People-to-people exchanges, particularly in literature and ideas, would further strengthen China-Bangladesh relations and described the club as a positive example of connectivity under the Belt and Road Initiative, he added.
Li also stressed the importance of organising regular reading circles at the Chinese Book Corner of the National Library with participation from Bangladeshi writers, and assured continued cooperation with local writers and publishers working on Chinese literature.
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