Eight Bangladeshi students enrolled in higher education programs in China have decided to return to Bangladesh before completing their scheduled courses, citing security risks and fears of cocktail attacks. The decision has sparked concern among other Bangladeshi students currently staying in the country and prompted reactions from their guardians.
Security Concerns and Decision-Making
According to sources, several cocktail attack incidents targeting foreign students have recently occurred in a number of Chinese cities. Although no Bangladeshi student was directly injured in these incidents, the eight students chose to return home leaving their studies incomplete, considering the overall security situation. Some of them have already arrived in the country, while the rest are in the process of returning.An guardian of one of the students said, "We were extremely worried about our child's safety. They themselves decided to come back, and we supported them. A degree can be completed later, but life cannot be regained."
Number and Context of Bangladeshi Students in China
According to data from China's Ministry of Education, approximately 380,000 international students from 191 countries and regions participated in study and exchange programs in China during the 2024-25 academic year. Among them, 205,000 were pursuing degrees. Engineering is the most popular subject among degree-seeking students, accounting for 27.8 percent of enrolments.A significant number of students from Bangladesh travel to China each year for higher education, attracted by comparatively lower costs, English-medium programs, and scholarship opportunities. However, recent security concerns have prompted many guardians to weigh these factors more carefully before making decisions.
Advice from Educational Bodies
Education analysts suggest that making decisions based solely on "low cost" or "scholarship availability" can be risky. They advise prospective students to evaluate university standards, program language, family financial capacity, visa conditions, and post-degree career plans before deciding.Other Bangladeshi students currently in China have reportedly been maintaining regular contact with their respective universities' international student offices and the Bangladesh Embassy. Several of the returning students are attempting to continue their courses online or seek deferment of their enrollment.
