International Training on Comparative Governance Forum 2026

The Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS), in collaboration with the School of International Relations and Public Affairs (SIRPA), Fudan University, inaugurated the Comparative Governance Forum 2026 at the BIISS Auditorium on Monday, 03 August 2026. The four-day international training forum, scheduled from 3–6 August 2026, features one panel discussion, ten expert lectures, and field visits to the Padma Bridge and the Dasherkandi Sewage Treatment Plant.

The inaugural session was graced by H.E. Mr Humaiun Kobir, Honourable Adviser to the Prime Minister for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, and the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, as the Chief Guest. Professor CHEN Zhimin, Vice-President of Fudan University, and H.E. Mr Yao Wen, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to Bangladesh, attended the programme as the Special Guests. The session was chaired by Major General A S M Ridwanur Rahman, awc, afwc, psc, G, Director General of BIISS.

In his welcome remarks, Major General A S M Ridwanur Rahman reaffirmed BIISS' commitment to fostering policy-oriented dialogue and strengthening institutional collaboration with leading international research institutions. Professor CHEN Zhimin highlighted the importance of academic partnerships in advancing research, innovation, and mutual learning. H.E. Mr Yao Wen underscored the continued progress of Bangladesh–China relations and the significance of expanding bilateral cooperation through academic and policy engagement.

In his address as the Chief Guest, H.E. Mr Humaiun Kobir observed that initiatives such as the Comparative Governance Forum provide valuable opportunities for policy learning, facilitate intellectual exchange, and contribute to addressing shared governance challenges among partner countries. He expressed confidence that the forum would further strengthen mutual understanding and deepen cooperation between Bangladesh and China.

A significant highlight of the inaugural programme was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between BIISS and Fudan University. The MoU aims to institutionalise long-term cooperation in research, academic exchanges, capacity building, joint publications, and policy dialogue, thereby reinforcing collaboration between the two institutions.

The forum has brought together academics, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners from Bangladesh and China to exchange knowledge and perspectives on governance, public policy, and international affairs. Throughout the four-day programme, participants will explore a wide range of contemporary issues, including China's governance model, targeted poverty alleviation, digital governance and artificial intelligence, modernisation of national governance systems, the Global Development Initiative (GDI), industrialisation, shared development beyond 2030, and emerging dimensions of Bangladesh–China cooperation.

Through expert-led discussions, interactive sessions, and field visits, the Comparative Governance Forum 2026 seeks to promote knowledge exchange, comparative learning, and stronger institutional partnerships while contributing to informed policymaking and sustainable development in both countries.