Bangladesh promotes academic diplomacy with book donation to Maldives National University

Dhaka: The Bangladesh High Commission in the Maldives, Dr. Md. Nazmul Islam, has donated copies of "Power of Bonding and Non-Western Soft Power Strategy," a book authored by the High Commissioner himself, to the Maldives National University (MNU), highlighting growing academic cooperation and people-to-people ties between the two countries.

MNU Vice Chancellor Dr. Aishath Shehenaz Adam formally received the books during a ceremony at the university's seminar room, according to a press release.

The event was attended by the Pro-Vice Chancellor, Chief Librarian, senior university officials, faculty members, researchers, representatives of the Bangladesh High Commission, members of the Bangladeshi community in the Maldives, and other guests.

Addressing the ceremony, High Commissioner Dr. Islam said university libraries are more than repositories of books — they are centers of learning, research, and innovation. He expressed hope that the book would contribute to discussions on diplomacy, international relations, soft power, and the evolving role of small and medium-sized states in global affairs.

Explaining the book's central concept, the High Commissioner described the "Power of Bonding" as a form of soft power built on trust, friendship, mutual respect, shared values, and enduring human connections. While traditional diplomacy often focuses on political and economic interests, he said, lasting partnerships are ultimately sustained by strong relationships among people, institutions, and societies.

He said Bangladesh-Maldives relations exemplify the concept, noting that the two countries have developed a partnership based on mutual trust, solidarity, and close people-to-people ties.

The High Commissioner highlighted the contribution of the large Bangladeshi community in the Maldives and pointed to expanding cooperation in education, healthcare, trade, tourism, climate action, and human resource development as evidence of the growing bilateral relationship.

He also stressed the potential for greater collaboration between universities and research institutions in the two countries through joint research, faculty and student exchanges, academic conferences, scholarships, and institutional partnerships. Climate change, the blue economy, marine science, public health, technology, innovation, sustainable development, and human resource development were identified as key areas for future cooperation.

In her remarks, Vice Chancellor Dr. Adam praised the strong bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the Maldives and described the donated book as a valuable addition to the university's library. She expressed confidence that it would benefit students, researchers, and academics working on diplomacy, international relations, and soft power.

She also reaffirmed the university's interest in expanding partnerships with Bangladeshi universities and research institutions, expressing optimism that greater academic engagement would further deepen the friendship between the two countries.