United News of Bangladesh

All Bangladeshi citizens in Myanmar are safe after a strong earthquake shook the country, said Bangladesh ambassador to Myanmar on Friday. Earlier, a strong earthquake of 7.2-7.7 magnitude was felt in northern Myanmar. According to AP, the quake struck in the early afternoon, sending people streaming out of buildings and seeking shelter anywhere they could find it from the blazing sun. Myanmar and Thailand hit by major earthquakes In Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city and close to the epicenter, the earthquake damaged part of the former royal palace and buildings, according to videos and photos released on Facebook social media. In the Sagaing region just southwest of Mandalay, a 90-year-old bridge collapsed. Tremors also jolted various parts of Bangladesh, including Dhaka and Chattogram. No reports of casualties have been received yet.

Bangladesh and China on Friday signed nine instruments, including the agreement on "economic and technical cooperation", between the two governments and other cooperation documents on development, translation and publication of classics, exchanges and cooperation on cultural heritage, news exchange and media and health sector. The two countries signed eight MoUs on translation and production of classics, exchanges and cooperation on cultural heritage, news exchange, media, sports and health sectors, Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. Besides, five announcements were made on the launching of formal negotiations on investment, the announcement of the commencement of the China Industrial Economic Zone, the signing of a commercial agreement for the modernisation and expansion of Mongla port, the building of a robot physiotherapy and rehabilitation centre, and the donation of a cardiac surgery vehicle, he said. The two sides spoke positively of the signing of the Implementation Plan of the MoU on Exchange of Hydrological Information of the Yarlung Zanbo-Jamuna River. Bangladesh welcomed Chinese companies to participate in the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP), according to the joint media statement issued after the bilateral meeting between Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Bangladesh welcomed Chinese companies to participate in the Mongla Port Facilities Modernization and Expansion Project, and stands ready to work with the Chinese side to further develop the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ) in Chattogram. The two sides underscored the importance to initiate negotiations on the China-Bangladesh Free Trade Agreement at an early date and officially start negotiations on optimising the China-Bangladesh Investment Agreement. The two sides agreed to realise the early export of high-quality products of Bangladesh to China including fresh mangoes and other agricultural and aquatic produce as soon as possible. Beijing pledges $2.1 billion in investments, loans, grants for Bangladesh China welcomed Bangladesh to make full use of platforms such as the China International Import Expo, China-South Asia Expo, and China International Supply Chain Expo to expand cooperation with China. Bangladesh reaffirmed its readiness to create a favorable investment environment for Chinese companies. The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in such areas as hydrological forecasting, flood prevention and disaster reduction, river dredging, integrated management of water resources, water resources development and related technology sharing. The two countries agreed to make concerted efforts to tackle climate change and tap the potential for blue economy cooperation. The two sides agreed to strengthen exchanges on maritime affairs and hold a new round of Dialogue on Maritime Cooperation at an appropriate time. They agreed to jointly celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the Year of China-Bangladesh People-to-People Exchanges in 2025. The two sides agreed to deepen exchanges and cooperation on culture, tourism, media, education, health care and youth, and between local governments and think tanks, to enhance mutual understanding between the two peoples. Bangladesh expressed appreciation for the convenience provided by China for Bangladeshi patients to seek medical treatment in Yunnan Province, and commended the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind and appreciates the Global Development Initiative. Bangladesh also takes note of the importance of the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping. Both sides agreed to strengthen international cooperation, promote unity and self-reliance among the Global South and jointly address global challenges. The year 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and the founding of the United Nations. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter, the practice of true multilateralism and greater democracy in international relations. Both the countries will jointly advocate an equal and orderly multi-polar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation. They also agreed to keep strengthening coordination within the UN and other multilateral mechanisms and jointly safeguard the common interests of developing countries and uphold international fairness and justice. Chief Adviser Dr Yunus expressed his sincere appreciation to President Xi Jinping and the Chinese people for the warm hospitality extended to him and the Bangladeshi delegation, and invited the Chinese leadership to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time. Bangladesh appreciated China's constructive role in promoting peace talks on Myanmar and in promoting the resolution of the issue concerning the forcibly displaced people from the Rakhine State of Myanmar who have taken shelter in Bangladesh. China commended Bangladesh for providing humanitarian assistance for the displaced people from Rakhine State, and supported Bangladesh and Myanmar in finding among others a mutually acceptable solution through friendly consultations. China will continue to provide support for the repatriation to the best of its capabilities. At the invitation of the Secretary-General of the Boao Forum for Asia, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus attended the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025 in Hainan, China from 26 to 27 March 2025, and then at the invitation of the Government of the People's Republic of China, the Chief Adviser is visiting Beijing from 27 to 29 March 2025. Ding Xuexiang, Vice Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, met with Chief Adviser Professor Yunus on the sidelines of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025 in Hainan Province. Han Zheng, Vice President of the People's Republic of China also met with Chief Adviser Professor Yunus in Beijing. No meet with Yunus features in Modi's BIMSTEC schedule in Bangkok In a warm and friendly atmosphere, the two sides had in-depth exchanges of views on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of mutual interest and reached extensive consensus. Dr Yunus attended the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025 and delivered a speech. The Chinese side welcomed the interim government of Bangladesh led by Professor Muhammad Yunus and noted the reform and progress made by the interim government since August 2024. The Bangladesh side thanked the Government of the People's Republic of China for welcoming the interim government of Bangladesh and extending necessary support to carry forward bilateral relations. Both sides reconfirmed equal commitment to nurturing the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership with utmost importance. They also agreed that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Bangladesh 50 years ago, relations between the two countries have maintained healthy and stable development regardless of changes in the international and regional landscape. The two sides agreed to hold fast to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, carry forward their traditional friendship, deepen political mutual trust and synergy between development strategies, keep moving forward in the China-Bangladesh Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership, and deliver greater benefits to the two countries and their peoples.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Friday invited the Chinese business leaders to be part of new Bangladesh and its transformation engaging extensively in terms of doing business for mutual benefit. Dr Yunus invited top Chinese companies to invest in Bangladesh and make the country a manufacturing hub to export their products to the West and Asia. "Bangladesh is the hub (for doing business)... we could be the production hub of this entire region. Set up your factories in Bangladesh, sell to the whole region and sell to the whole world," he said, describing Bangladesh's advantage and position with huge access to the world market. The Chief Adviser said the amazing location of Bangladesh makes it a very exciting country for the investors. He said Bangladesh is strategically located and it is the doorway for landlocked countries of Nepal and Bhutan and seven Northeastern states of India. Chief Adviser Prof Yunus shared his vision of New Bangladesh, future of trade and the potential of Bangladeshi youth during the sessions. Dr Yunus participated in an event called "Investment Dialogue" with Chinese business leaders to inform the Chinese investors about the business-friendly environment in Bangladesh and attract Chinese investment in Bangladesh. The Chief Adviser said Bangladesh has an advantage of a huge young population full of energy, creativity and aspirations. "That’s the exciting part of Bangladesh." He said there is no shortage of young people, both men and women, and they are very oriented to the new world, new way of thinking and new way of doing things. “They are very quick to adopt, very quick to learn if you are making assembly plants, or if you are making any technologically oriented businesses. I think it would be good to consider Bangladesh,” Dr Yunus said. He said Bangladesh oversees the whole Bay of Bengal as its practical point with huge access to the world through Bay of Bengal. “So, Bangladesh is your path, not only for Bangladesh itself, but the three other major regions. You can have this advantage of having businesses in this whole region through Bangladesh. That's the most exciting part of it,” Dr Yunus said. The Chief Adviser hosted four interactive meetings with more than 100 leading entrepreneurs and CEOs of China to share how Bangladesh is now open for business, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told UNB. He also described the benefits of relocating their factories to Bangladesh, saying the country faces no trade restrictions and it offers some of the best competive advantages and opportunities to foreign direct investors.  Prior to his speech, Ashik Chowdhury, Executive Chairman for BIDA and BEZA presented the case for the country titled 'Bangladesh 2.0: Gateway to Growth.'  Chowdhury focused on data and shared sectoral heatmaps, demand landscape and factors of production competitiveness.  He also shared some of the investment climate reforms the interim government is undertaking such as AEO, collocation of agencies, relationship management model etc.  "Xiànzài jèng shì shíhòu," he said to the audience, meaning the time is now. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday said China would give a  positive consideration to a host of important issues  raised by Bangladesh as he held bilateral talks with Bangladesh delegation led by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. They included reduction of the interest rates on Chinese loans and cooperation on water resources management, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told UNB, describing the talks between President Xi and Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus as a "hugely successful" bilateral meeting. Alam said the talks were "comprehensive, fruitful and constructive, marked by warmth". President Xi reiterated China's support to the Chief Adviser and the interim government, said the Press Secretary. "It was Prof Yunus's first bilateral foreign tour, and so far, it has been a "grand" success," Alam said. President Xi said China would encourage Chinese investment to Bangladesh and relocation of Chinese manufacturing enterprises to Bangladesh. President Xi spoke about his two tours to Bangladesh and said he studied microcredit when he was the governor of Fujian province, Alam said. The Chinese President also said he tried Bangladeshi mangoes and jackfruit. "They are delicious. Bangladesh is expected to export the two fruits to China in a big way in the coming months," Alam quoted President Xi as saying. Dr Yunus seeks FAO support to export fruits, farm products to China in large volume Dr Yunus and Chinese President Xi held bilateral talks at People's Great Hall and discussed bilateral, regional and global issues. They discussed ways to further strengthen the relations between the two countries and take it to a new height protecting Dhaka-Beijing’s mutual and strategic interests. Both sides discussed various strategic bilateral issues between Bangladesh and China, trade and investment growth, agriculture, infrastructure, support for renewable energy sectors, and resolving the Rohingya issue, as well as overall issues of mutual interest between the two countries, eyeing a new chapter in relations. At the meeting, Dr Yunus sought China's greater role in establishing peace, prosperity and stability for both nations. During the meeting, Dr Yunus expressed heartfelt greetings to Chinese President Xi Jinping on behalf of Bangladesh and its people. Recalling his long relations with China, the Chief Adviser said he had an attachment with China in introducing Grameen Bank and social business there. During the meeting, he focused on Rohingya crisis, seeking China's strong role in safe and dignified return of Rohingyas to their home of origin in Myanmar. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources; Road Transport and Bridges; and Railways Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, Principal Coordinator on SDGs Affairs and Senior Secretary Lamiya Morshed, High Representative to Chief Adviser Khalilur Rahman, Bangladesh Ambassador to China Md Nazmul Islam and BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik accompanied the Chief Adviser at the meeting, Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen among others were part of the Chinese delegation. Bangladesh, China to sign key deals as Dr Yunus to meet Xi in Beijing on March 28 In the morning, Dr Yunus arrived at the Great Hall of China amid a static guard of honour. Dr Yunus arrived in Beijing on Thursday night to hold bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Vice Minister of China Sun Weidong warmly welcomed Dr Yunus upon his arrival at Beijing International Airport at around 10:20pm (China time) after approximately a four-hour journey by air from Qionghai Bo’ao International Airport. Kids also greeted him with flowers. The Chief Adviser spoke at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference and joined at least eight events, including bilateral meetings, Azad said. Dr Yunus is on a four-day visit to China through which he thinks the relationship between Bangladesh and China would further be deepened.  

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday held bilateral talks at People's Great Hall and discussed bilateral, regional and global issues. President Xi and Dr Yunus also discussed ways to further strengthen the relations between the two countries and take it to a new height protecting Dhaka-Beijing’s mutual and strategic interests. Both sides discussed various strategic bilateral issues between Bangladesh and China, trade and investment growth, agriculture, infrastructure, support for renewable energy sectors, and resolving the Rohingya issue, as well as overall issues of mutual interest between the two countries, eyeing a new chapter in relations. At the meeting, Dr Yunus sought China's greater role in establishing peace, prosperity and stability for both nations. During the meeting, Dr Yunus expressed heartfelt greetings to Chinese President Xi Jinping on behalf of Bangladesh and its people. Recalling his long relations with China, the Chief Adviser said he had an attachment with China in introducing Grameen Bank and social business there. During the meeting, he focused on Rohingya crisis, seeking China's strong role in safe and dignified return of Rohingyas to their home of origin in Myanmar. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources; Road Transport and Bridges; and Railways Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, Principal Coordinator on SDGs Affairs and Senior Secretary Lamiya Morshed, High Representative to Chief Adviser Khalilur Rahman, Bangladesh Ambassador to China Md Nazmul Islam and BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik accompanied the Chief Adviser at the meeting, Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. Dr Yunus seeks FAO support to export fruits, farm products to China in large volume

On the occasion of Bangladesh's 55th Independence Day, President of Algeria Abdelmadjid Tebboune sent congratulatory messages to the President of Bangladesh Mohammed Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Prof Dr. Muhammad Yunus. In his message, Tebboune highlighted the level of existing relations of brotherhood and cooperation between Bangladesh and Algeria. Trump sees opportunity for Bangladesh to strengthen democracy, security He also reaffirmed his keenness and determination to work together towards enhancing bilateral cooperation in various areas, to the benefit of the two brotherly peoples.

The World Food Programme (WFP) of the United Nations has reversed its decision to reduce food aid for Rohingyas residing in Bangladesh's refugee camps, following concerns over the impact of the cut. In the latest development, the residents of various camps along the coast of Cox's Bazar will now receive a monthly food allocation of $12 per person, down from the previous $12.50. Mohammad Mizanur Rahman, the Refugee, Relief, and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC), said, "WFP has informed us of this decision in a letter, which will come into effect from April 1." He added that Rohingyas living in Bhasan Char would receive $13 per person, one dollar more than those in Cox's Bazar. This change comes after WFP had previously communicated its plans to reduce food aid for Rohingyas in Bangladesh. On March 5, the Refugee Commission of Bangladesh received a letter from WFP saying that due to a funding crisis, it would cut the monthly food allocation for Rohingyas from $12.50 to $6 per person starting in April. The letter from WFP raised concerns about the adequacy of food provisions for the refugees. Then on March 14, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres visited the Rohingya camps in Bangladesh. During his visit, he was presented with details of what the Rohingyas would be receiving in terms of food for $6, which raised alarm over the insufficient amount.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus arrived here on Thursday night to hold bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday that would guide the two countries to further strengthen the relations and take it to a new height protecting Dhaka-Beijing’s mutual and strategic interests.   Vice Minister of China Sun Weidong warmly welcomed Dr Yunus upon his arrival at Beijing International Airport at around 10:20pm (China time) after approximately a four-hour journey by air from Qionghai Bo’ao International Airport, Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. Kids also greeted him with flowers. The Chief Adviser spoke at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference and joined at least eight events, including bilateral meetings, Azad said. Dr Yunus is on a four-day visit to China through which he thinks the relationship between Bangladesh and China would further be deepened. Dr Yunus now heading towards Beijing to hold talks with President Xi Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources; Road Transport and Bridges; and Railways Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, High Representative to Chief Adviser Khalilur Rahman, Principal Coordinator on SDGs Affairs and Senior Secretary Lamiya Morshed and CA's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam are accompanying the Chief Adviser. On Friday morning, Dr Yunus will be at the Great Hall of China amid a static guard of honour. After the meeting, Dr Yunus and Chinese President Xi Jinping will pose for a joint photo. They will discuss various strategic bilateral issues between Bangladesh and China, trade and investment growth, agriculture, infrastructure, support for renewable energy sectors, and resolving the Rohingya issue, as well as overall issues of mutual interest between the two countries, said Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin. Dr Yunus will participate in an event called "Investment Dialogue" with Chinese business leaders, organised to inform the Chinese investors about the business-friendly environment in Bangladesh and attract Chinese investment in Bangladesh. The Chief Adviser will participate in three roundtable discussions on different themes -- Sustainable Infrastructure and Energy Investment, Bangladesh 2.0 Manufacturing and Market Opportunities and Social Business, Youth Entrepreneurship and the World of Three Zeros at the same venue, where he will exchange views with CEOs of various companies, experienced individuals from the Social Business Circle, high-ranking officials of renowned Chinese companies, business representatives and the young generation of Bangladeshis and Chinese. President Xi attaches "tremendous importance" to Dr Yunus' visit: Chinese Vice-Premier On Saturday morning, the Chief Adviser will visit Peking University and receive the Honorary Doctorate. After receiving the Honorary Doctorate Degree, the Chief Adviser will deliver a speech to the audience.

Former deputy governor of the People’s Bank of China WU Xiaoling on Thursday spoke about Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus' role in poverty alleviation through microcredit programmes and social business initiatives, saying that she was an admirer of the Nobel Peace Laureate. "Your contribution to eradicating poverty is truly inspiring. I sincerely wish that under your leadership Bangladesh shines," she said. Xiaoling met the Chief Adviser on the sidelines of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference. Even though China and Bangladesh are at different levels in terms of poverty, Xiaoling said Professor Yunus-founded Grameen Bank's motto had offered good experience to Chinese people and for the development of the Asian country. President Xi attaches "tremendous importance" to Dr Yunus' visit: Chinese Vice-Premier During the meeting, Xiaoling introduced Prof Yunus to a young professor, Zhu Xufeng, the Dean at the School of Public Policy and Management (SPPM) and Executive Director of the Institute for Sustainable Development Goals, Tsinghua University (TUSDG). Professor ZHU Xufeng invited Prof Yunus to visit Tsinghua University and speak to the students and share his views with them. He requested to build collaboration with the Yunus Centre for social business. "There are 111 Yunus Centres in 40 countries; they all share a global network. We would love to be a part of the network," he said. Prof Yunus said that he would love to come to Tsinghua University and talk to the students, Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. Asia must strengthen cooperation as destinies are intertwined: Dr Yunus "Also, we want to invite you to visit Bangladesh on our Annual Social Business Day in June in Dhaka, Bangladesh," he said. “We are also promoting and mobilising intellectual resources, and youth power must be at the centre of our collective actions. We must lay the foundation for a new civilisation: a self-preserving and self-reinforcing society. We must create a counter-culture based on a zero-waste lifestyle," he added. Xiaoling served as the Chair and Dean of the PBC School of Finance (PBCSF), Tsinghua University. As a joint venture between the university and PBC, PBCSF has become one of China's top world-class financial education institutions and centres of financial research. Xiaoling made great contributions to the development of Chinese finance, playing a pivotal role in defending against the 1997 crisis as the first female administrator of SAFE in history. Dr Yunus now heading towards Beijing to hold talks with President Xi Xiaoling's achievements have also been recognised by the world, with her being twice awarded as one of the "World's 50 Most Watched Businesswomen of the Year" by the Wall Street Journal. She was also twice nominated as one of the “Most Influential Women in the World” by Forbes.

After attending a series of meetings at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025 here, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is now on his way to Beijing to hold bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, scheduled for Friday. The Chief Adviser left Qionghai Bo’ao International Airport for Beijing at 7pm (China time), Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. On the first day of his four-day China visit, the Bangladesh Chief Adviser spoke at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference and joined at least eight events, including bilateral meetings, Azad said. Boao is a coastal town in the city of Qionghai, Hainan. Dr Yunus is scheduled to reach Beijing International Airport at around 10:55pm (China time) after approximately a four-hour journey by air. The Chief Adviser will be received by Sun Weidong, Vice Minister of China. Kids will also greet him with flowers. President Xi attaches "tremendous importance" to Dr Yunus' visit: Chinese Vice-Premier Dr Yunus is on a four-day visit to China through which he thinks the relationship between Bangladesh and China would further be deepened. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources; Road Transport and Bridges; and Railways Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, High Representative to Chief Adviser Khalilur Rahman, Principal Coordinator on SDGs Affairs and Senior Secretary Lamiya Morshed and CA's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam are accompanying the Chief Adviser. On Friday morning, Dr Yunus will be at the Great Hall of China amid a static guard of honour. After the meeting, Dr Yunus and Chinese President Xi Jinping will pose for a joint photo. They will discuss various strategic bilateral issues between Bangladesh and China, trade and investment growth, agriculture, infrastructure, support for renewable energy sectors, and resolving the Rohingya issue, as well as overall issues of mutual interest between the two countries, said Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin. Dr Yunus will participate in an event called "Investment Dialogue" with Chinese business leaders, organised to inform the Chinese investors about the business-friendly environment in Bangladesh and attract Chinese investment in Bangladesh. Asia must strengthen cooperation as destinies are intertwined: Dr Yunus The Chief Adviser will participate in three roundtable discussions on different themes -- Sustainable Infrastructure and Energy Investment, Bangladesh 2.0 Manufacturing and Market Opportunities and Social Business, Youth Entrepreneurship and the World of Three Zeros at the same venue, where he will exchange views with CEOs of various companies, experienced individuals from the Social Business Circle, high-ranking officials of renowned Chinese companies, business representatives and the young generation of Bangladeshis and Chinese. On Saturday morning, the Chief Adviser will visit Peking University and receive the Honorary Doctorate. After receiving the Honorary Doctorate Degree, the Chief Adviser will deliver a speech to the audience. In the afternoon, Dr Yunus will give an exclusive interview to China Media Group (CMG), a renowned Chinese media organisation, and Xinhua (likely) where various aspects of the multidimensional relations between Bangladesh and China and the future direction of Bangladesh's position on various contemporary international issues will be shared. The Chief Adviser will attend a dinner to be hosted by the Ambassador of Bangladesh to China. Bilateral Instruments to Be Signed Bangladesh and China are set to sign several agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) as Dr Yunus and President Xi Jinping will hold a bilateral meeting in Beijing on March 28. The bilateral cooperation documents are likely to be signed in the areas of human resource development, economic and technical assistance, cultural and sports cooperation and cooperation between the media. Dhaka seeks cooperation from Moscow in energy sector; will import wheat, fertiliser Besides, announcements related to economy, investment and economic zones are likely to be made, said the Foreign Secretary. He said China is Bangladesh's best friend, closest neighbour, strategic partner and one of the largest commercial and development partners. Bangladesh and China enjoy excellent diplomatic relations, which are deepening, he said, adding this year the two countries have undertaken programs to celebrate the 50 years of China-Bangladesh diplomatic relations. The Foreign Secretary said the visit would add a new dimension in Dhaka-Beijing relations with further momentum. A Milestone Visit Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Sunday said Chief Adviser Prof Mohammad Yunus’ visit to China would be "very successful, productive and a milestone visit" with some announcements. Dr Yunus' visit to China is going to be the “most important visit” by a Bangladesh leader over the last 50 years, as the two countries are eyeing to take the relations to a new height. Bangladesh progressed a lot but should have done better politically, democratically: Ban Ki-moon “This is going to be the most important visit by a Bangladeshi leader in 50 years,” said Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, quoting Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen. Addressing the nation on Tuesday evening, Dr Yunus said the world's largest Chinese solar panel manufacturer Longji has expressed interest in setting up a factory in Bangladesh. "We are working with them. In addition, technical assistance, medical assistance, low-cost treatment and other issues will be discussed," he said, adding that they (China) want to import mangoes, jackfruit and guava from Bangladesh. "This will start very soon."