A contestant makes a speech in Chinese in the contest. [Photo/bridge.chinese.cn]

The Chinese Bridge is an international Chinese culture and language proficiency program where Chinese language and culture students from institutions worldwide compete in various categories.

The Dhaka contest was hosted by the Confucius Institute at North South University with the sponsorship of Oppo Bangladesh, a Chinese company.

Some of those who gathered on the campus of the university were participants of the Chinese Bridge competition while the others were there just to cheer their friends.

Sarwar Omar, a contestant, said, "I feel great that Chinese proficiency competition is being held in my country. It's a big opportunity to me and I love to participate."

The contestants delivered short speeches with voices full of emotions. The contestants also read poems and sing Chinese songs.

The two winners in the just-concluded competition will visit China and may have the opportunity to represent Bangladesh at the final competition to be held in Beijing later this year.

"I'm so glad to win the competition. I went to China when I was little. I have studied there and learnt Chinese," said Zobida.

"I am indeed very happy to join the competition. I am also very happy to see that all the participants know the Chinese language. Hope they will do well in future," said Ma Yan, Chinese Director at the Confucius Institute at North South University.