Chinese Vice Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC) Sun Haiyan on Wednesday said China can be one of Bangladesh’s most trusted special friends.
"Bangladesh is situated in a very special strategic geographical location. You have a strong neighbour. It is necessary for Bangladesh to have amicable and reliable neighbours who are stable, believe in peace, peaceful coexistence, and willing to share development opportunities without interfering in each other’s internal affairs,” the Chinese leader said.
During a meeting with a unique Bangladeshi delegation, comprising leaders from eight political parties, students, scholars and journalists at the IDCPC office in Beijing, she expressed China’s desire to assist Bangladesh in returning to its path of rapid development.
Based on this, she said the people of Bangladesh are seeking friends. “Although you try to maintain good relations with all countries, we believe that among all these friends, you have several special ones that you trust more, and perhaps you trust the most. I understand China can be that one,” she said.
Sun Haiyan also said, unlike many other countries, China’s foreign and internal policies have remained stable and unchanged.
“In the coming months, as you (Bangladesh) prepare for elections, reform and the formation of a new government, we will continue our support and bilateral cooperation with Bangladesh. The sooner, the better, to help Bangladesh back to the fast evolving track,” she said.
The CPC leader urged Bangladeshi politicians to identify the areas in which they need cooperation from China.
“We want you to explore more areas of cooperation…When you will form a government, identify in which areas we can work together for your people and your interests? We can figure out some ways that will benefit both sides and help each other develop, fostering common prosperity. This is our value,” she observed.
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The Vice Minister said that China has been extending cooperation in many areas of Bangladesh. “We can do many more things. If I get the opportunity to visit your country next time, I hope to see a better Dhaka,” she told the Bangladeshi delegation.
The delegation, led by BNP Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, attended the meeting.
Earlier on Tuesday, the 21-member 'unique' delegation, consisting of leaders from eight political parties, including the BNP, travelled to China for an 11-day visit at the invitation of the Communist Party of China (CPC).
Sun Haiyan stated that China has been cooperating with Bangladesh’s current interim government following the political changeover after the July-August mass uprising.
“We all know the international landscape is transforming drastically almost every day. We have noticed that Bangladesh’s internal situation has changed significantly over the past year. We believe that, no matter what happens, our ties will remain strong and stable,” she said.
Sun Haiyan also said the CPC has long been engaging with political parties in Bangladesh as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations.
"It’s important to establish people-to-people relationships. But, I believe party-to-party relationships play a very important and positive role in ensuring a strong relationship with the people. Because, each political party represents a certain group of people and has significant influence in the government. So, we focus on ties with political parties in Bangladesh to further enhance our bilateral cooperation," the IDCPC Vice Minister said.
She also said people-to-people ties will continue to grow, and mutual cooperation will remain stable and improve if the CPC and political parties in Bangladesh develop a strong understanding and trust.
“This is a critical moment to understand each other’s needs in order to strengthen our relationship further. Apart from development, we can work on addressing the needs of the people in our two countries,” the Vice Minister said.
She said both countries will work to ensure their mutual interests. “We hope the new Bangladesh can stand with its own characteristics and adopt policies based on the needs of your people, not the needs of other nations. You should not simply copy the policies and systems of other countries. Your system should be established based on the needs of your people.”
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Highlighting China’s affordable medical services and expert doctors, the CPC leader said, “We can help you reform your medical service system by sharing our expertise, knowledge, and experience.”
BNP Standing Committee member Dr Moyeen Khan hoped this visit would renew the ties between the people of China and Bangladesh.
“The relationship between the people of China and Bangladesh is historic. We hope these ties will continue not for just one more decade, but for thousands of years. This is my sincere wish,” he said.
Dr Moyeen expressed his heartfelt gratitude to China for its cooperation with Bangladesh, particularly in three major areas.
“The first is the China-Bangladesh Friendship Bridge, which was the first bridge constructed in Bangladesh over the River Buriganga with China's support. Now, there are many bridges and large infrastructures, but that bridge was the first major infrastructure built in Bangladesh with your help,” he told the meeting.
The second, he mentioned, was China’s support for Bangladesh’s garment sector. “Ziaur Rahman introduced the garment sector in Bangladesh with the concept and idea from China. After China, despite being a small country, Bangladesh is now the second-largest garment supplier in the world.”
“Lastly, Ziaur Rahman also initiated a strategic relationship with China. After the liberation war, when our armed forces were virtually destroyed, China fully supported the reconstruction of our military,” he said.
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For future collaboration, Dr Moyeen proposed three additional areas of cooperation for when a new democratic government is formed in Bangladesh through a credible election.
He recalled that during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Bangladesh eight years ago, he had promised substantial economic support for the country.
“But, the previous government could only utilise 25-30 percent of the financial support promised by the Chinese President over the past eight years. We hope this financial assistance and cooperation will be revitalised in the coming months, which will greatly benefit the people of Bangladesh,” the BNP leader said.
“The second area of support we seek from your country is not the finished garment products, but the raw materials for garments. We want to learn from you how to produce garment raw materials, including yarn. We seek your help in setting up this industry in Bangladesh so that we can produce raw materials for finished garment products. If we can produce these initial raw materials, we’ll be able to supply finished garments at a very competitive price,” he said.
Finally, Dr Moyeen urged China to assist Bangladesh in developing its AI industry. “I would also like to propose setting up at least one electric vehicle production factory in Bangladesh with your cooperation.”
He also called for strengthening strategic cooperation with China, considering Bangladesh’s geopolitical location.
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 Chhatra Dal General Secretary of Chhatra Dal Nasir Uddin, 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, among others, the delegation members, participated in the meeting.