Mohammad Rafiqul Islam
Mohammad Rafiqul Islam
| Mohammad Rafiqul Islam | |
|---|---|
| File:9411 ( DR.MOHAMMAD RAFIQUL ).jpg9411 ( DR.MOHAMMAD RAFIQUL ).jpg Mohammad Rafiqul Islam at BRAC University | |
| Native name | মোহাম্মদ রফিকুল ইসলাম |
| Born | Bangladesh |
| 🏳️ Nationality | Bangladeshi |
| 🏳️ Citizenship | Bangladesh |
| 💼 Occupation | |
| Known for | Chinese language education in Bangladesh
Sino-Bangladesh economic relations Foreign Direct Investment research |
| 🏅 Awards | Chinese Government Scholarship (2006, 2009, 2012, 2015) |
| 🌐 Website | https://www.bracu.ac.bd/about/people/mr-mohammad-rafiqul-islam-phd |
Mohammad Rafiqul Islam is a Bangladeshi linguist, educator, and academic specialist in Chinese language education and Sino-Bangladesh economic relations. He is an Assistant Professor at the BRAC Institute of Languages (BIL), BRAC University in Dhaka, Bangladesh.[1]
Early life and education
Islam received his foundational education in Bangladesh before pursuing higher education in China with unprecedented government support. His educational journey reflects a unique commitment to bridging Bangladesh-China academic and cultural ties.[1]
Academic Degrees
- PhD in International Relations from Central China Normal University (CCNU), Wuhan, China. His doctoral research focused on international relations with instruction conducted entirely in Chinese.[1]
- Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship at Wuhan University of Technology, China, specializing in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Chinese Direct Investment patterns in Bangladesh. His postdoctoral research was conducted in Chinese.[1]
- MSS in Peace and Conflict Studies (Master's level)[1]
- BSS Honours in Political Science (Bachelor's level)[1]
Chinese Government Scholarships
Islam has received four Chinese Government full scholarships, recognizing his academic excellence and contribution to Sino-Bangladesh relations:[1]
2006: Full scholarship for Chinese language study in China 2009: Full scholarship for PhD studies in International Relations at Central China Normal University 2012: Full scholarship for Post-Doctoral research fellowship at Wuhan University of Technology 2015: Full scholarship for Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language (TCFL) certification These four scholarships represent an exceptional recognition of his scholarly merit and his role as a cultural bridge between Bangladesh and China. Since 1981, approximately 4,500 Bangladeshi students have received Chinese Government Scholarships, making Islam's receipt of four consecutive awards a significant achievement.[2]
Academic career
Appointment at BRAC University
Islam joined the BRAC Institute of Languages (BIL) at BRAC University, one of Bangladesh's leading private educational institutions. He holds the position of Assistant Professor of Chinese Language and Culture.[1]
Office Location:
Level 5, Kha-224 Merul Badda, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh[1]
Teaching Experience
Islam has been teaching Chinese Language and Culture at BRAC University since 2014 to the present.[1][3] This extended tenure of over a decade demonstrates his commitment to developing Chinese language education in Bangladesh.
Beyond his primary appointment, Islam has served as a trainer and faculty member at WINGS Learning Centre, where he designed and developed a unique Chinese language and culture curriculum.[4][5] His teaching efforts have reached over 100 students, several of whom have secured positions as interpreters in Chinese companies and projects operating in Bangladesh. Additionally, two of his students have received scholarships to pursue higher studies in China.[5]
Professional Consulting
Islam has worked as a Freelance Consultant for Sino-Bangladesh Economic Cooperation since 2006, providing expertise on bilateral economic relations, foreign direct investment, and business facilitation between the two countries.[1]
Research and expertise
Research Areas
Islam's primary research focus includes:[1]
- One Belt One Road (OBOR) Strategy: Examining China's Belt and Road Initiative and its implications for Bangladesh's development
- Chinese Language Diplomacy and the New World Order: Analyzing the role of language education in international relations and soft power
- The Importance of Learning Second Languages: Research on linguistic acquisition, particularly focusing on Chinese, Korean, and Japanese languages in the context of globalization
- Chinese Direct Investment (FDI) in Bangladesh: Economic analysis of Chinese foreign direct investment patterns, incentives, and sectoral distribution
- Sino-Bangladesh Economic Cooperation: Bilateral trade relations, economic partnerships, and development initiatives
Areas of Expertise
Islam is recognized as:[1]
Expert in Chinese Diplomacy: Specializing in international relations dimensions of China-Bangladesh engagement
Specialist in Chinese Investment Patterns: Deep knowledge of Chinese FDI, investment motives, and economic incentives
Skilled in Korean Language: In addition to his primary expertise in Mandarin Chinese, Islam is proficient in teaching Korean language and culture
Bilingual Educator: Fluent in both English and Mandarin Chinese, conducting academic work in both languages
Publications and works
Peer-Reviewed Research Articles
Islam has published several research articles in national and international journals, as noted on his BRAC University faculty profile.[1]
Major Publication
Motives for Investing Chinese Companies in Bangladesh and their Outwards FDI
Co-authored with Mohammad Abdullah Mahfuz and Liza Khanam, this comprehensive research paper was published in the International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications (IJSRP) in December 2013.[6]
Research Methodology and Findings
Conducted surveys of 145 Chinese firms operating in or investing in Bangladesh
Analyzed China's outward Foreign Direct Investment (OFDI) patterns from 1997–2012
Examined sector-wise FDI allocation and investment distribution
Key Research Findings:
In 2012, 53% of Chinese FDI in Bangladesh was allocated to the Textile and Wearing Apparel sector
31% went into manufacturing industries
14% was directed toward Agriculture and Fishing sectors
Chinese firms predominantly establish wholly-owned subsidiaries in Bangladesh
Major investment sectors included: Textiles, Power, Agriculture, Engineering, Leather, and Services[6]
Investment Incentives Identified
The research identified key factors attracting Chinese investment to Bangladesh, including:[6]
Tax holidays and exemptions for foreign investors
Cash subsidies for exporters
Concessionary import duties on capital machinery
Special facilities and incentives in Export Processing Zones (EPZs) and Permanent Export Processing Zones (PEZs)
Full protection of foreign investment with guaranteed repatriation rights
Published Book
Chinese From Zero: Learn Chinese, Find Yourself (2024)
Islam authored this comprehensive eBook designed for absolute beginners learning Mandarin Chinese.[7][8][9]
Book Description and Features
This meticulously crafted eBook combines academic rigor with practical, real-world applications. The book covers:
Comprehensive Lessons: Detailed instruction on Chinese tones, Pinyin (Romanization system), basic characters, vocabulary, and grammar presented in bite-sized, easy-to-follow modules
Everyday Dialogues: Real-life conversations covering scenarios from basic greetings (你好 nǐ hǎo) to ordering food (你吃饭吗 nǐ chī fànfan ma?), reinforcing speaking and listening skills
Cultural Context: Insights into Chinese customs, festivals, social etiquette, and proper usage of phrases
Progressive Structure: Building confidence through 20+ interactive tables and exercises, including character writing drills and translation activities
Practical Vocabulary: More than 300 essential nouns, verbs, adjectives, and measure words for navigating travel, shopping, and daily routines in China
Self-Assessment Tools: Quizzes and exercises at chapter end to track progress and reinforce key concepts
Target Audience
According to the book's description, "Chinese From Zero" is designed for:
Absolute beginners with zero prior Chinese knowledge
Travelers seeking essential Mandarin phrases for practical communication
Students complementing classroom Chinese language studies
Self-taught learners looking for structured, independent practice
Professionals working with Chinese-speaking colleagues or business partners
Culture enthusiasts eager to explore China's language, history, and traditions
Availability
The eBook is available on multiple digital platforms, including:
Amazon Kindle
Barnes & Noble
Apple Books
Booktopia
Everand
ResearchGate
Conference Presentations
Islam has presented his research at several international academic conferences:
"Foreign Trade of Bangladesh" (2018)
Presented at the 5th Annual International Conference on Business, Law & Economics organized by the Athens Institute for Education and Research (ATINER) in Athens, Greece, May 7–10, 2018.[10] This presentation examined Bangladesh's foreign trade dynamics, export-import growth trajectories, and macroeconomic implications.
Conferences at BRAC University (2017)
Islam co-authored and presented papers at the 1st International Conference on Business and Management (ICBM 2017) held at BRAC University on September 21–22, 2017. These presentations included:
"Analysis of the Total Economy of Bangladesh in the Context of GDP" – Comprehensive analysis of Bangladesh's macroeconomic performance and GDP structure "The trends of Import and its contribution to the Economy of Bangladesh" (co-authored with Daniel Mahbub and Shahida Najnin Proma) – Examination of import patterns and their economic contributions "The trends of Export and its Consequences to the GDP of Bangladesh" (co-authored with Mohaiminul Haque) – Analysis of export trends and their impact on gross domestic product
Academic Collaborators
Islam has collaborated with fellow researchers including:
Mohammad Abdullah Mahfuz (Wuhan University of Technology)
Liza Khanam (Jagannath University, Bangladesh)
Daniel Mahbub (BRAC University)
Shahida Najnin Proma
Rafiur Rahman Bhuiyan
Mohaiminul Haque
Teaching contributions
Pioneering Role in Chinese Language Education
Islam is recognized as one of the pioneering Chinese language educators in Bangladesh.[1][3] He has played a significant role in developing and promoting Chinese language education at the university level during a period of increasing demand for Chinese language skills in the country.
Curriculum Development at WINGS Learning Centre
At WINGS Learning Centre, Islam designed and developed a unique, structured Chinese language and culture course that has become a model for language education in Bangladesh.[4][5] The program emphasizes:
Practical conversational skills
Cultural understanding and awareness
Real-world application of language knowledge
Engagement with contemporary China and Sino-Bangladeshi relations
Student Success
Islam's teaching has produced tangible outcomes:
Over 100 students have successfully completed his courses at WINGS and BRAC
Multiple students have secured employment as interpreters in Chinese companies and Chinese-led projects operating in Bangladesh
Two students have received Chinese Government Scholarships to pursue higher education in China, following Islam's model of scholarship achievement
Addressing Growing Demand
The popularity of Chinese language learning in Bangladesh has grown significantly, driven by several factors that Islam actively promotes understanding of:[3][2]
Strong China-Bangladesh Partnership: Deepening bilateral relations in economics, infrastructure, and culture Chinese Foreign Direct Investment: Increased Chinese company presence in Bangladesh's economic zones Employment Opportunities: Growing job prospects in Chinese companies and joint ventures Scholarship Access: Availability of Chinese government scholarships for Bangladeshi students Professional Development: Language skills as a competitive advantage in global business According to reporting on Chinese language education in Bangladesh, specialists like Islam predicted that "learning Chinese Language and Culture would become a priority for professionals seeking jobs in Chinese companies, business partnerships with China, or higher studies in China."[3]
Awards and recognition
Institutional Recognition
Islam's work has been formally recognized by BRAC University and external institutions:
BRAC University Faculty Status: Appointed as Assistant Professor, reflecting recognition of his academic credentials and teaching ability[1]
International Conference Presentations: Invited to present research at ATINER, a prestigious international academic conference series held in Athens, Greece[10]
Four Chinese Government Scholarships
Receipt of four consecutive Chinese Government scholarships represents significant international recognition of Islam's scholarly merit and his role as a bridge between Bangladesh and China.[1][2]
Professional Recognition
Islam is recognized as:
Expert in Chinese Diplomacy by BRAC University
Specialist in Chinese Investment by the academic community
Pioneer in Chinese Language Education in Bangladesh
Legacy and impact
Mohammad Rafiqul Islam has contributed to Bangladesh's academic landscape and Sino-Bangladesh relations in several ways:
Educational Pioneer: Establishing Chinese language education programs at the university level during an emerging phase of demand for these skills in Bangladesh Research Contributor: Publishing peer-reviewed research that advances understanding of Chinese investment patterns and economic relations between Bangladesh and China Cultural Bridge: Through his teaching, consulting, and research, Islam has strengthened educational and cultural ties between Bangladesh and China Author and Content Creator: Producing accessible learning materials ("Chinese From Zero") that democratize access to Chinese language education for Bangladeshi learners at all levels Student Mentor: Guiding students toward international scholarship opportunities and career advancement in a globalized economy Policy Insights: Providing consulting expertise on Sino-Bangladesh economic cooperation to inform policy and business decision-making
Personal life
Limited public biographical information is available regarding Islam's personal life, as is typical for academic professionals. His professional identity is centered on his academic work, teaching contributions, and research in Chinese language, diplomacy, and economic relations.[1]
See also
BRAC Institute of Languages
BRAC University
Chinese language education
Sino-Bangladesh relations
Foreign direct investment in Bangladesh
China–Bangladesh relations
External links
BRAC University - Mohammad Rafiqul Islam Faculty Profile
WINGS Learning Centre - Chinese Language & Culture Program
Chinese From Zero - Amazon Kindle
Chinese From Zero - Barnes & Noble
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.17 "Mr. Mohammad Rafiqul Islam, PhD". BRAC University Faculty Directory. Retrieved 2024-12-22.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "80 Bangladeshi students receive Chinese government scholarship". Prothom Alo.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 "Chinese language: Beckoning of good life". The Business Standard.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Chinese Language & Culture Program". WINGS Learning Centre.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "WINGS Newsletter" (PDF). 2018-09. Check date values in:
|date=(help) - ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Islam, Mohammad R.; Mahfuz, Mohammad A.; Khanam, Liza (2013). "Motives for Investing Chinese Companies in Bangladesh and their Outwards FDI". International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications. Unknown parameter
|month=ignored (help)CS1 maint: Multiple names: authors list (link) - ↑ "Chinese From Zero: Learn Chinese, Find Yourself". Barnes & Noble.
- ↑ "Chinese From Zero: Learn Chinese, Find Yourself". Everand. Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; name "Everand" defined multiple times with different content - ↑ "Chinese From Zero: Learn Chinese, Find Yourself". Booktopia. Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; name "Booktopia" defined multiple times with different content - ↑ 10.0 10.1 "5th Annual International Conference on Business, Law & Economics" (PDF). Athens Institute for Education and Research.
Further reading
Islam, Mohammad R. (2021). "Chinese Foreign Direct Investment in Bangladesh". SSRN Electronic Journal.
BRAC University. BRAC Institute of Languages - Faculty and Programs
Category:Bangladeshi academics Category:Bangladeshi linguists Category:Chinese language educators Category:BRAC University faculty Category:People in higher education in Bangladesh Category:Sino-Bangladeshi relations Category:21st-century Bangladeshi people Category:Chinese government scholarship recipients Category:Living people Category:Assistant Professors Category:International Relations scholars
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