A 21-member 'unique' delegation, consisting of leaders from eight political parties, including the BNP, went to China on an 11-day visit tonight (Monday night), at the invitation of the Communist Party of China (CPC).
The delegation, led by BNP Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, left Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on a flight of Southern China Airlines at 10:45pm.
Chinese authorities have said this visit is part of their strategy to strengthen multi-party relations with Bangladesh following the July-August political changeover.
The delegation also includes three leaders from the Jatiya Nagorik Committee as well as some scholars and two journalists.
Five leaders from the BNP and its associated organisations are also there in the delegation. They are BNP Legal Affairs Secretary Kayser Kamal, General Secretary of Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal Shohidul Islam, General Secretary of Jubo Dal Nurul Islam Nayon, General Secretary of Swechchhasebak Dal Razib Ahsan and General Secretary of Chhatra Dal Nasir Uddin.
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Seven leaders from other political parties are also part of the delegation, including Revolutionary Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Huq, Executive Coordinator of Ganosamhati Andolon Abul Hasan Md Shahidul Islam Rubel, National People's Party Chairman AZM Fariduzzaman, Nationalist Democratic Movement Chairman Bobby Hajjaj, General Secretary of Gono Odhikar Parishad Muhammad Rashed Khan, Joint Secretary General of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Maulana Ataullah Amin and Jatiya Dal Chairman Syed Ehsanul Huda.
Dr Moyeen Khan’s wife, Advocate Roksana Khondker, Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) researcher Md Nahian Sajjad Khan, and Dhaka University’s International Relations department Prof Lailufar Yasmin are also part of the delegation.
Jatiya Nagorik Committee leaders Ahsan Zonaed, Rafi Salman Rifat and Md Reaz Hossain also included, along with two journalists: UNB Special Correspondent Abdur Rahman Jahangir and Diplomatic Correspondent for Dainik Amader Somoy Md Arifuzzaman Mamun.
Following the August 5 mass uprising, leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami and other Islamic political parties and organisations also visited China at the invitation of the ruling CPC.
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Speaking at a pre-departure reception on Sunday night at its Embassy, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen said, “This is not just a visit, but also a valuable opportunity to enhance our long-standing friendship and deepen friendly cooperation.”
Since the July-August movement, he said the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh has maintained exchanges with mainstream political parties, media outlets, think tanks, and student groups and has sent strong signals of China-Bangladesh friendship on multiple occasions.
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the Ambassador stated that this is the first time China has organised such a delegation, which includes representatives from political parties, students, and the media, to visit China. “This delegation is meant to ‘press the acceleration button’ and signal the further deepening of the relationship between the two nations."
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He said, “The delegation will visit China’s capital, Beijing, as well as the provinces of Shaanxi and Yunnan. These destinations will provide you with a comprehensive, multi-dimensional understanding of China.”
Yao Wen also said both China and Bangladesh are committed to nation-building, with China progressing on the path of Chinese modernisation, while the people of Bangladesh are also striving to build a new Bangladesh based on equality, freedom and democracy.
Stating that both China and Bangladesh face the significant task of nation-building, he said China is striding forward on the path of Chinese modernisation; while the people of Bangladesh are also committed to building a new Bangladesh featuring equality, freedom, and democracy.
“In the coming days, through the well-designed agenda, China will showcase the grand journey and practical experiences of Chinese modernization, which I hope, will bring new insights to the socio-economic development efforts of both countries,” the ambassador said.
BNP eyes strengthened ties with China for mutual benefit
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also attended the programme, expressing gratitude to the Chinese envoy for initiating the visit and sending such a diverse delegation to China.
“I hope this visit will surely strengthen the friendly ties between Bangladesh and China,” the BNP leader said.
He recalled that BNP founder Ziaur Rahman laid the foundation for Bangladesh’s diplomatic relations with China and expressed hope that these relations would continue to grow for the mutual benefit of both nations.
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He also voiced the hope that China would continue to contribute to Bangladesh’s development process and become involved in the Teesta River water management project for the betterment of the people in Bangladesh’s northern region.
BNP Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan described the delegation as a unique mix of representatives from eight political parties, scholars, journalists and students who had fought for democracy and played a key role in the recent mass movement.
Stating that China is a genuine friend of Bangladesh, he emphasised the importance of greater people-to-people connection between the two nations.
The BNP leader expressed the hope that China would continue to contribute to Bangladesh’s development process in the future.