A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the University of Dhaka and South China Sea Institute of Oceanology (SCSIO), Chinese Academy of Sciences was signed on April 12, 2026 at Nansha Campus of SCSIO in China for enhancing strategic marine collaboration between Bangladesh and China. Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. A. B. M. Obaidul Islam and Director General of SCSIO Prof. Chaolun Li signed the MoU on behalf of their respective institution.
The initiative for this landmark MoU has jointly been taken by the International Centre for Ocean Governance (ICOG) from the University of Dhaka and the State Key Laboratory of Oceanography (SKLTO) from the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology. The agreement will establish a formal framework for research cooperation, faculty and student exchange, and joint scientific initiatives between the two institutions. The ceremony is hosted by Prof. Yan Du, Director of the State Key Laboratory of Oceanography (SKLTO), South China Sea Institute of Oceanology.
The collaboration aims to launch joint research programs focusing on ocean circulation, climate variability, marine ecosystems, coastal resilience, and blue economy governance. This collaboration marks the beginning of a sustained and mutually beneficial relationship between the two institutions, paving the way for impactful research, capacity building, and meaningful contributions to the global understanding of tropical marine systems and climate resilience.
It may be mentioned that, a five-member delegation led by the Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University Prof. Dr. A. B. M. Obaidul Islam is now on a visit to China for attending the MoU signing ceremony. Other members of the delegation are Dhaka University Treasurer Prof. Dr. M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Dean of the Faculty of Science Prof. Dr. Abdus Salam, Dean of the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences Prof. Dr. Md. Humayun Kabir and Director of the International Centre for Ocean Governance (ICOG) Dr. K M Azam Chowdhury.
During this visit to China Dhaka University delegation members attended the 13th International Conference on Tropical Marine Environmental Changes (MEC) and the 6th CLIVAR Climate Dynamics Panel (CDP) Annual Workshop with a theme of "Abrupt Changes and Tipping Points."
DU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. A. B. M. Obaidul Islam underscored on the importance of well-designed collaboration in achieving sustainable progress, emphasizing that for a deltaic nation like Bangladesh, ocean-related research is both an immediate necessity and a profound national priority. He called upon all concerned for a greater integration across scientific disciplines. He said, the Earth system does not recognize artificial boundaries between ocean and atmosphere and that scientific collaboration must move toward a more unified and interdisciplinary approach. The University of Dhaka looks forward to a future of shared knowledge, scientific excellence, and lasting cooperation with the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, further strengthening the bonds of friendship and scientific cooperation between Bangladesh and China, he added.
