United News of Bangladesh

Reiterating its support for the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP), China on Friday said cooperation between Bangladesh and China should be free from third party influence. "I would like to stress that China-Bangladesh cooperation does not target any third party and should be free from third party influence," Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun told reporters in Beijing while responding to a question. The spokesperson stated China's position after a reporter flagged India's concerns over the Teesta cooperation between Bangladesh and China. "The comprehensive treatment and restoration of the Teesta River is a livelihood project to which the Bangladeshi side attaches high importance. China is ready to do what it can to support this project," said Guo Jiakun. Seeking deeper cooperation with Bangladesh in integrated water resources management, China has decided to provide support within its capacity to the TRCMRP. The Chinese side will also support experts from both countries in expediting the feasibility study of the project and related work, according to a joint statement shared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday. The two sides agreed to deepen cooperation in areas such as integrated water resources management, water resources planning, hydrological forecasting, flood prevention and disaster reduction, river dredging, and related technology sharing. They also agreed to strengthen cooperation in maritime affairs. Guo Jiakun said Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman paid an official visit to China and attended the 17th Summer Davos. During his visit, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee Zhao Leji respectively met with and held talks with him, exchanging in-depth views on bilateral relations as well as international and regional issues of mutual interest. Broad-based common understandings and a series of practical cooperation outcomes were achieved, forming a new strategic blueprint for the development of China-Bangladesh relations, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said. The visit, he said, can be defined by three highlights: First, rendering steadfast mutual support to each other. Leaders of the two countries agreed to build a China-Bangladesh community with a shared future in the new era. The two sides will firmly support each other in safeguarding their core interests, step up exchanges on governance experience, deepen strategic communication, and enhance political mutual trust. China supports the new government of Bangladesh in its governance. The Bangladeshi side reiterated its firm commitment to the one-China principle. Second, deepening mutually beneficial cooperation. The two sides agreed to advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, further align their development strategies, steadily promote the implementation of major landmark projects, including ports and water conservancy, enhance cooperation in trade, industrial and supply chains, and finance, expand cooperation in emerging areas such as new energy, the digital economy, AI, and information and communications technology, and strengthen regional connectivity. The two sides signed multiple cooperation documents. Third, upholding international fairness and justice. The two sides will enhance communication and coordination within the UN and other multilateral frameworks, promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and jointly uphold the outcomes of World War II as well as the UN-centered international system. Through the visit, the spokesperson said, China stands ready to work with Bangladesh to further deepen strategic communication and political mutual trust, better align development strategies, expand result-oriented cooperation, promote closer people-to-people and cultural exchanges, strengthen multilateral coordination, and ensure that the fruits of China-Bangladesh relations bring greater benefits to the two countries and their peoples. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman returned home from Beijing on Friday, wrapping up his first overseas trip to Malaysia and China.

China has expressed strong interest in supporting Bangladesh’s Teesta River management project through technical assistance, planning and feasibility studies, Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Spokesperson Mahdi Amin said on Thursday. Speaking at a press briefing at the Diaoyutai Hotel in Beijing following bilateral talks between Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Mahdi said the two sides discussed a wide range of issues, including water resource management, trade, investment, education, healthcare and people-to-people connectivity. He said Bangladesh has a comprehensive master plan for the Teesta project, as outlined in the BNP election manifesto, and China has shown willingness to be involved at different stages of the initiative. “China has expressed interest in providing technical support where necessary and sharing its expertise in project design, planning and implementation,” Mahdi said. He said both sides agreed on the importance of conducting a joint feasibility study for the Teesta project, describing it as a critical step for such a large-scale undertaking. “China wants to work with Bangladesh on the joint feasibility study and contribute its expertise to integrated water resource management and drainage systems,” the spokesperson added. Mahdi, also an adviser to the Prime Minister, said Bangladesh and China also discussed ways to narrow the trade imbalance and increase Bangladeshi exports to the Chinese market. “China is Bangladesh’s largest trading partner. At the same time, Bangladesh imports far more from China than it exports. Discussions focused on how Bangladesh can diversify and increase its exports,” he said. The adviser noted that both sides reviewed opportunities to make better use of China’s duty-free market access for Bangladeshi products and explored additional measures to boost exports. Referring to the vast Chinese consumer market, he said Bangladesh has significant potential to increase exports if it can further strengthen its supply chain and align products with Chinese demand. Mahdi said China confirmed the import of Bangladeshi jackfruit, opening up new opportunities for agricultural exports. “Besides jackfruit, there is scope for exporting more fruits, vegetables, agro-processed products and fisheries items. There are also opportunities in pharmaceuticals, ceramics and high-tech industries,” he said. According to the adviser, discussions were also held on preparing a joint action plan to promote trade and investment cooperation between the two countries. He said Chinese state-owned and private companies have shown interest in investing in Bangladesh’s digital economy, information technology, agriculture and infrastructure sectors. Mahdi also revealed that several Chinese banks are considering launching operations in Bangladesh, encouraged by ongoing reforms in the country’s financial sector. “China believes there are investment opportunities in Bangladesh’s banking sector as the country continues to strengthen and modernise its financial system,” he said. The spokesperson said people-to-people connectivity featured prominently in the discussions between the two prime ministers. He said the two sides explored cooperation in education, including the introduction of Mandarin language learning and support for technical and vocational education programmes in Bangladesh. China also expressed interest in expanding healthcare cooperation, including increasing Chinese-supported hospital projects in Bangladesh, Mahdi said. He said discussions were held on easing visa procedures for Bangladeshi patients seeking treatment in China and enhancing healthcare services for Bangladeshi citizens. The PMO spokesperson said the two countries also discussed facilitating visas and increasing scholarship opportunities for Bangladeshi students pursuing higher education in China. Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir and Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon were present at the briefing.

The Teesta Irrigation Project has emerged as a blessing for farmers across four northern districts, ensuring uninterrupted irrigation during the ongoing Boro season when many parts of the country are struggling with fuel and electricity disruptions. Farmers in Rangpur, Nilphamari, Dinajpur and Bogura say the project has brought relief by providing affordable and reliable irrigation water, boosting hopes of higher crop production this season. Officials say the project has also helped save nearly Tk 60 crore in diesel costs, reducing dependence on fuel-powered irrigation amid the ongoing energy constraints. According to the Water Development Board, Rangpur zone, about 10 lakh farmers are currently benefiting from the project, which has ensured uninterrupted irrigation across the region without major disruptions. “Farmers are getting water smoothly through the Teesta project, which has reduced irrigation costs significantly,” said Mizanur Rahman, Superintending Engineer of Bangladesh Water Development Board, Rangpur. He said the availability of water through the system is also helping improve soil fertility, further encouraging farmers to expand cultivation every year. Officials said around 88,000 hectares of land across 12 upazilas in four districts have come under irrigation coverage this Boro season. Under the system, 32,000 hectares in Nilphamari, 6,000 hectares in Dinajpur, 23,000 hectares in Bogura and 27,000 hectares in Rangpur district are being irrigated through canals fed by water from the Teesta River. Field visits show water from the river is being channelled through a network of canals, including a 10-kilometre canal from Sayrabari to Bakpur in Gangachara upazila, irrigating around 130 acres of farmland. Currently, around 8,000-9,000 cusecs of water are flowing in the river, compared to only 3,000 cusecs during the same period last year. Local farmers say the project has drastically reduced irrigation costs. Abdus Salam, a farmer from Gangachara’s Borobil union, said irrigating one acre of land now costs only Tk 1,200-1,500 under the project, compared to nearly Tk 10,000 using other sources. He also expressed hope for yields of 85-90 maunds per acre this season. Farmers say the silt carried by Teesta water helps improve soil fertility and reduces the need for chemical fertilisers. Shahjahan Ali, general secretary of a local water management group, said this natural process increases productivity, with yields rising by 3-4 maunds per bigha compared to other irrigation systems. However, farmers also pointed out several challenges, including delayed water supply before February, forcing them to depend on alternative sources for seedbed preparation. They also cited issues such as rodent damage in earthen canals and difficulties in supplying water to uneven land. In Nilphamari’s Kishoreganj upazila, canal renovation work has temporarily disrupted water supply in some areas, prompting locals to demand earlier and uninterrupted distribution from January. Despite the limitations, farmers and officials remain optimistic. They say if Teesta is properly dredged and canal flow is improved, agricultural output in the region could increase significantly. Authorities, however, noted that irrigation timing varies due to different crops such as rice, tobacco and maize. They also said ongoing canal maintenance has limited further expansion this season, but water supply is expected to continue for the next two months.

Praising Bangladesh’s ‘Bangladesh First’ policy, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Sunday said any attempt to undermine cooperation between China and Bangladesh, or with any South Asian country, is doomed to fail. “Our cooperation is not targeting any third party, and should not be affected by any foreign forces,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs while responding to a question after his separate meetings with Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed. The Ambassador said Dhaka and Beijing have been engaged in long-standing discussions over the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project, expressing the hope that work on the long-awaited initiative will begin soon. “That is also one of my expectations. We could work on it. We will continue to work on it,” he said when a reporter wanted to know whether he is hopeful that the project will commence soon. The Chinese Ambassador described the recently held election as smooth and orderly and found it as the victory of democracy. He said the high-level visits between the two countries would continue. Ambassador Yao said as a friendly neighbor and a comprehensive strategic cooperative partner of Bangladesh, China attaches great importance to deepening relations with Bangladesh, and supports the new government under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in exercising smooth governance. India seeks stronger people-centric ties with Bangladesh: Envoy

Local unit BNP has announced a 48-hour demonstration on February 17 and 18 at eleven places in five districts demanding fair share of Teesta water and implementation of the Teesta Mega Project soon. Asadul Habib Dulu, organising secretary of Lalmonirhat district unit BNP came up with the announcement after a rally on Monday. The five districts are Nilphamari, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, Rangpur and Gaibandha. Govt to pursue int’l pressure for having fair Teesta water share: Adviser Earlier in the day, BNP and its affiliate bodies started a march towards Teesta River in Lalmonirhat demanding implementation of Teesta Megaplan project.Around 8000 people, led by its chief coordinator Asadul Habib Dulu, started the march on the title of "Wake Up, Save Teesta" from Railway Station area in Lalmonirhat district town on Monday noon which was ended at Mission Intersection after parading the main streets of the district town.When speaking, the BNP leader Asadul Habib, said Teesta, once the sole source of livelihood for many, has now become a source of misery.He also criticised the act of past governments for deceiving the people along the Teesta's banks regarding the Teesta Mega Project."We often hear promises about its implementation, but nothing ever happens. We also know that our friendly neighbor China had expressed its keen interest in funding the project and even signed a memorandum, yet it never materialized,” he said. "No government has been able to implement the Teesta Mega Project so far. That’s why we have launched this movement to demand fair share of Teesta water and permanent infrastructure for the river,” he added. People of five districts along the Teesta River participated in the movement.  

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen today (July 04, 2024) said that it is solely Bangladesh’s sovereign right to decide on the Teesta project, and that this decision must be respected. “Whatever project regarding the Teesta river is truly on Bangladesh’s side to make a decision. And the decision has to be respected,” he told diplomatic correspondents at a DCAB Talk, responding to a question on the Teesta river that Bangladesh shares with India. Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) hosted the event at Jatiya Press Club ahead of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to China next week. DCAB President Nurul Islam Hasib and General Secretary Ashiqur Rahman Apu also spoke at the event. The Chinese ambassador stated that the visit will outline a new blueprint for practical cooperation in various fields and provide an opportunity for the two countries to coordinate their positions on regional and international affairs. Ambassador Yao mentioned that China had made its proposal on Teesta following Bangladesh's request and is open to accepting any decision. “We are open. It’s purely on Bangladesh to decide what to do at the next stage.” PM Hasina’s upcoming visit to boost China-Bangladesh cooperation on bilateral, regional and global issues, says Ambassador India also expressed interest and announced that a technical team would soon visit Bangladesh to discuss the Teesta river conservation and management issues. On June 25, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stated that the government would accept the financing proposal for the Teesta Masterplan Project based on what is most beneficial for the country. “We have undertaken the Teesta project. China and India have given separate proposals (for financing it). We must accept the proposal which will be more beneficial for the people of our country,” she said at a press conference at her official residence, Ganabhaban, regarding the outcome of her recent visit to India. Addressing a separate question, Ambassador Yao emphasized the importance of good relations between Bangladesh and its neighbouring countries. “You know, it is a success of your national foreign policy. So, we want to see good relations. And also, we want our relations to be playing a positive role and be viewed positively by the other countries. So that is a win-win cooperation and will benefit all parties,” he said. He dismissed any notion of tension between India and China regarding this project, stating, “I don't see any tension. We want to see the project start very soon. Since I know almost 30 million people need this project, we just want to see if it can be studied and completed very soon.” Regarding the development of southern Bangladesh, the ambassador mentioned that it is a proposal from the Bangladesh side and that China could play a significant role in aiding this development. “It is a good opportunity for China to get involved in the internal development of Bangladesh and we will have a very active and positive approach to that proposal,” he said. Ambassador Yao also praised Bangladesh’s humanitarian efforts in sheltering over 1 million Rohingya refugees. “China is actively pursuing all parties involved in the Myanmar conflict to achieve a ceasefire and engage in dialogue, thus paving the way for the repatriation at an early date,” he said. The envoy added that China is ready to support Bangladesh in the multilateral arena, jointly safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries, and promoting regional and international peace and stability. PM’s upcoming China visit a reflection of maintaining balanced diplomacy: Foreign Minister He highlighted cooperation opportunities in areas such as education, media, infrastructure, trade promotion, investment, agricultural imports from Bangladesh, and the digital economy during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's upcoming visit. Ambassador Yao noted that the Bangladesh-China relationship is at its best and is embracing tremendous development opportunities. “Next year, our two countries will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. How to further elevate bilateral relations, expand the scope of exchanges, tap the potential for cooperation, and make the relationship between our two countries and peoples better, deeper, and closer is a task that requires joint efforts from both sides,” he said. He emphasized that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to China will be a milestone in bilateral relations, building on past achievements and forging ahead. “This visit will surely inject vibrant impetus into bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields, promoting new achievements in the strategic partnership of cooperation between China and Bangladesh, and elevating the relationship to a new height,” he said. The envoy highlighted that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visit to China is highly anticipated by all. “This visit is expected to take the helm for the growth of the China-Bangladesh relationship for the next five years or even longer.” During the visit, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will meet with Chinese leaders, sign a number of cooperation documents, and jointly announce major cooperation achievements. Through this visit, both sides will firmly support each other and further deepen communication at all levels, he mentioned. Read more: Experts highlight Bangladesh’s need for China in its dev journey, strategic gains anticipated from PM Hasina’s upcoming visit

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming on Thursday said his country is serious about implementing the Teesta River Comprehensive Management Project, noting that it should be taken positively for the benefit of Bangladeshis. He said China considers the project to be significant after Bangladesh formally proposed it, but also has a sense of reluctance due to the sensitivities it contains. “…I would have to be frank that the Chinese side is a bit reluctant about this project. The reason of course is that there are some sensitivities — that we sensed and we observed,” the Chinese ambassador said at a seminar on “National Image of China in Bangladesh,” organized by the Centre for Genocide Studies (CGS) at a Dhaka hotel.  The ambassador said they were officially approached by the Bangladesh government one year ago. After an assessment done by the embassy, he said, they decided that this is a very important project and they should report back to Beijing.    “Now Teesta River Comprehensive Management Project is under serious assessment by the government agencies in Beijing,” said the envoy. Read: ‘Some misunderstandings can hurt Bangladesh-China relations’ Ambassador Jiming said he is personally concerned whether the Bangladesh government will change its position later on — due to or without external pressure. “I am not sure. If we decided to do so, and if someone came out and said — well this is again another case of Chinese debt trap — there are some particular geo-political sensitivities and so we should not do it,” he mentioned, adding that then the Bangladesh government may say, “Sorry China, we cannot just go on. That will put us in a very awkward position.” He said though his recent trip was part of visiting Chinese projects in different parts of the country, he got very positive feedback from the local people and the local government. “It gives me great confidence to speak more to my colleagues in Beijing, and build their confidence,” said the ambassador. On October 9, Chinese Ambassador Li Jiming visited Rangpur division and talked to locals at the Teesta Barrage. On October 10, the ambassador visited the bridge project under construction by CSCEC over Teesta River in Gaibandha district of Rangpur division. In July 2020, the Ministry of Water Resources sought a $983 million loan from China to implement the project, in a letter to Bangladesh’s Economic Relations Division. The Bangladesh government would be bearing 15% of the total project cost (about $130 million). The project involves dredging the Teesta river for navigability, building strong embankment, townships, industries on the two sides of the river, water reservoir and irrigation. Responding to a question on possible engagement of China in a Teesta-related project, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen recently said they have not received any such proposal officially yet. On the issues of Uyghurs in Xinjiang, Jiming said there have been narratives and news “cooked up by western countries”. He said China is not suppressing any certain minority, namely the Uyghur, which is one of 56 ethnic groups in China. “Chinese authorities imprisoned the separatists and terrorists as per the national law,” Jiming said. CGS Director Prof Imtiaz Ahmed presented a keynote. Former ambassadors Nasim Firdaus, Munshi Faiz Ahmad, Dhaka University Professors MM Akash and Dr Delwar Hossain also spoke.