The Institute of Modern Languages (IML) at Bangladesh’s top Dhaka University is now at the beginning of admissions season, reports Xinhua.

It is a hectic time for the institute’s Chinese language department where a heavy rush of admission seekers was witnessed this week.

Students have been thronging the department for admission tests or information they need for future courses.

Mujibur Rahman, a student of Jagannath University in Dhaka, came to the IML to know when the Chinese Language Department will release forms for its one-year junior course that ultimately leads students to a diploma degree.

“I am currently an undergraduate student. I think if I know Chinese language it will be quite helpful for me to have a job in a big Chinese company,” said Rahman.

Many of other students seen at the IML, however, came to sit for admission tests because they were busy giving last-minute tips to each other on China-related general knowledge that may be possible questions.

“I’m keenly interested in learning Chinese language. I’ve just given my admission test. Hope I will get a chance to study here Chinese language,” said a first year student of the Dhaka University’s Economics Department.

“I must know Chinese language to understand more about China or its economic systems,” said the student who declined to be named as he awaited results.

Another admission-seeking student of Dhaka University’s Physics Department said he also wanted to learn Chinese language.

“So far I understand going through newspapers that more future research opportunities lie in China,” he said. “I have a plan to study at a top Chinese university in future.”

The IML’s Chinese department is seemingly more abuzz with students as more and more Dhaka University students have been showing keenness to learn Chinese language mainly due to the rise of China on the world stage propelled by the Belt and Road Initiative, a massive infrastructure and investment project along the ancient Silk Road trade routes.

Senior IML teacher Afzal Hossain said like previous years they have already started the admission procedures for many courses specially those for the Dhaka University’s students.

“First of all we will conduct admission tests for students who come from different units of the Dhaka University,” he said.

“Now admission tests for Dhaka University students who applied to learn Chinese language are now going on.”

“Two years ago they launched this new system and this will be third batch,” Hossain said. “We will complete all formalities (by December) to start classes from January.”

“After that we will go for admission processes for a one-year junior course that is open for all students (from all educational institutions).”

According to the Dhaka University associate professor, the system is that every year they release admission forms in March-April and the admission test is conducted in May.

“We have to start this process early because thousands of students from across Bangladesh apply for this one-year junior Chinese language course,” said Hossain.

“We have a limited number of seats. We cannot take more than 250 students in a batch.” After finishing the one-year junior course, he said the students get opportunity for direct admission at a senior level course.

On completion of the senior course “they are eligible for getting admission at the diploma course.”

“In this way, they obtain (Dhaka University) diploma (in Chinese language). These are our regular courses,” said Hossain.

Apart from these, he said they offer short courses for businessmen or those who are interested in doing business with China or working in a Chinese company.

There is a good opportunity for jobs for those who know Chinese language, said the associate professor. The 60-hour course in three month lays emphasis on speaking and practical uses of Chinese language.

“Many think China language is difficult. But modern teaching methods made things quite easy and our students can learn easily,” said Hossain.

“With little more practices after completing a three-month course, he said their students get jobs with handsome salary.”