Bangladesh's Daffodil International University (DIU), a recognized 20-year-old private university based in Dhaka, is working to promote research on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

The Daffodil International University Belt and Road Research Center (DIUBRRC) was established in May, and with academic research, international exchange, and talent training, it is regarded by some as the first think tank fully focused on the China-proposed BRI in the South Asian country.

Among its latest highlights was the Chinese Corner, an event held with the slogan of "We Are One". "Currently we are collaborating with (China's) Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics and arranging the Chinese Corner once in a month," said Afnan Hossain Priyo, head of the DIUBRRC Chinese Corner Club.

According to him, the research center's work is expected to help more people around the world to better understand the benefits of the Belt and Road.

Masum Iqbal, professor and dean of the Faculty of Business and Entrepreneurship at Daffodil International University, said, "As a university we're giving emphasis on teaching and research," adding the BRI is their prime focus as it represents a very popular concept.

"So we think that we can take some initiatives regarding the BRI and we see that there are some priorities of the BRI, such as policy coordination, infrastructure connectivity, financial integration, unimpeded trade and connecting people," said the professor.

At present, the center's research work will focus on the two areas of policy coordination and people-to-people connectivity, according to him. "We're trying to do some good researches which would be helpful for policymakers in our country as well as China."

Student exchange programs have also been introduced with some of China's leading universities. "We're having cultural exchanges and a lot of interactions between students," he added.

The professor expressed hope that the research center's work will benefit Bangladesh and other countries. "So throughout all these studies probably we can get some good findings which would be useful for business entrepreneurs as well as the government authorities."

AKM Mohsin, the convener of the DIUBRRC, said the BRI works to encourage the positive development across the world, and Bangladesh has been engaged in many projects under its framework.

It is good that many developing countries are connected with the Chinese economy as the initiative helps boost infrastructure and economic development, he noted.

The BRI brings many opportunities in terms of infrastructure, education, trade, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges, he said, adding China has been supporting other developing countries' efforts towards sustainable development.

"China has made huge significant investments in developing countries like Bangladesh," said Mohsin, citing the Padma bridge project. "So far we've seen a lot of progress and achievements in Bangladesh driven by this initiative."

"I believe Bangladesh will achieve more from this initiative," he said.