|| China Correspondent: At the invitation of the Communist Party of China (CPC), a 19-member high-level delegation of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has been visiting China from April 15 to April 24, 2026. As part of this visit, the delegation toured the world-renowned University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) in Hefei City, Anhui Province, on Friday, April 17.The delegation includes Md. Ismail Zabihullah, advisor to the Prime Minister and advisor to the BNP Chairperson; Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Altaf Hossain Chowdhury, BNP Vice Chairman and former minister; BNP Vice Chairmen Shamsuzzaman Dudu and Dr Asaduzzaman Ripon; Members of Parliament Khairul Kabir Khokon, Md Mostafizur Rahman Babul, and Syed Al Noman, along with several other prominent political figures.At the outset of the visit, the delegation inspected the university’s advanced research centers, observing firsthand its modern research infrastructure and educational system. Later in the afternoon, the university’s Office of International Cooperation organized an exchange meeting, attended by faculty members, representatives of the international office, and Bangladeshi students studying at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC).Wang Yuming, President of the Office of International Cooperation, welcomed the BNP delegation, noting that 39 Bangladeshi students are currently studying at USTC and achieving remarkable success in various fields.Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Md. Ismail Zabihullah highlighted the long-standing friendly relations between Bangladesh and China. He stated that closer ties between the two countries could be strengthened through educational, technological, and economic cooperation. He also mentioned that nearly 10,000 Bangladeshi students are currently pursuing higher education in China.A presentation at the event showcased USTC’s research activities, academic structure, and special initiatives, notably the "School of Gifted Youth".MP Syed Al Noman referred to China as “the current hub of global innovation". He urged Bangladeshi students to focus on research and innovation and advised them to apply the knowledge and innovative ideas they gain to contribute to Bangladesh’s future development.Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Altaf Hossain Chowdhury, MP and BNP Vice Chairman, expressed pride in the success of Bangladeshi students, drawing from his experience visiting various world-class universities. He also highlighted several government initiatives aimed at developing Bangladesh’s education and research sectors.Speaking as a student representative, Raoha Bin Mejba, a Bangladeshi student at USTC, said that to truly understand China, one must gain direct experience, adding that USTC serves as a vital platform for higher education and research. Other Bangladeshi students, including Ashraful Islam Rakib, Abdullah Al Alif, and Taufiqur Rahman, discussed various research activities and technology exchanges between Bangladesh and China.The event concluded with both sides expressing optimism about expanding future educational and research cooperation. The visit is regarded as a significant step toward further strengthening educational, research, and strategic collaboration between Bangladesh and China.Notably, USTC is a leading university in China’s prestigious C9 League (a consortium of the top 9 universities in China) and is globally recognized for its scientific research and innovation. According to the Nature Index, USTC ranks second globally for research output. Additionally, it is consistently ranked among the world’s top universities by Times Higher Education, QS, and other international rankings.