United News of Bangladesh

Three hospitals in Kunming, China are fully prepared to offer advanced medical treatment to Bangladeshi patients, marking a new chapter in medical cooperation between Bangladesh and China. “We’re ready to welcome Bangladeshi patients at our designated hospitals and provide advanced treatment,” said Yunnan Province Health Commissioner Wang Jiankun. He made the remarks during a meeting with a 21-member Bangladesh delegation, led by BNP Standing Committee Member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, at the conference room of Fuwai Yunnan Cardiovascular Hospital. Jiankun said the first group of 11 Bangladeshi patients will depart for China on March 10. Of them, he said three children will receive treatment at Fuwai Yunnan Cardiovascular Hospital. Jiankun emphasised that China is keen to continue enhancing its cooperation with Bangladesh across various sectors, including healthcare. He assured the delegation that Bangladeshi patients would receive world-class treatment at affordable prices in Yunnan.  Besides, Jiankun confirmed that special facilities such as halal food, accommodation, and a streamlined visa process would be provided to Bangladeshi patients. To address language barriers, he mentioned that each hospital has arranged for interpreters to assist Bangladeshi patients. The three leading hospitals in Kunming designated for Bangladeshi patients are the First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, and the hospital affiliated with the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences.  Moyeen Khan raises concerns over BCIM corridor’s strategic impacts, seeks China’s attention These hospitals will offer specialised services in cardiovascular care, complex surgeries, cancer therapy, orthopaedics, and the treatment of kidney and liver diseases. During the meeting, Dr Moyeen Khan expressed his satisfaction with the hospital’s facilities. While Bangladesh is a small country, providing advanced healthcare to its large population has always been a challenge, he noted. The BNP leader thanked the Chinese government for its initiative to offer treatment to Bangladeshi patients in Kunming. “About 90 percent of people in Bangladesh can’t afford treatment abroad, such as in Singapore and Thailand, and many are deprived of essential medical care within Bangladesh,” he said. Dr Moyeen said his party is committed to ensuring better healthcare facilities for every Bangladeshi if it is voted into power in the upcoming election. He also highlighted that Bangladesh requires substantial cooperation from China to modernise and further develop its healthcare sector. The delegation raised several points during the meeting, including reducing treatment costs for Bangladeshi patients, simplifying the visa process, and lowering airfares. Earlier, the Bangladesh delegation visited Fuwai Yunnan Cardiovascular Hospital, one of the three hospitals designated for treating Bangladeshi patients, to observe the medical facilities available.  Upon arrival, the delegation was warmly welcomed by the hospital authorities’ led by CPC Vice Secretary Chai Wei.  He took them on a visit to the hospital’s various departments before they participated in the meeting.

BNP Senior Leader Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan on Wednesday voiced concerns regarding the proposed route of the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) economic corridor under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) project, citing strategic implications and urged China to address the issue. “As per the plan, one of the six economic corridors of the BRI will go from China to Myanmar, then into India. From India, it will enter Bangladesh and then return to India. This route, in fact, turns out in a way like a corridor for India,” he told a seminar organised by the Yunnan Minzu University. The seminar, titled "Yunnan’s Participation in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Prospects for Cooperation with South Asian Countries," was held at the Wyndham Hotel in Kunming, Yunnan. Dr Moyeen suggested that the ideal BCIM route would be for it to start in Kunming of China, and head to Myanmar. From Myanmar, it would, as planned for the Asian Highway, enter Bangladesh through Teknaf-Cox’s Bazar route and from then proceed onto West Bengal in India across Bangladesh, as envisaged originally. "From a strategic point of view, this would offer a much more secure connectivity as far as Bangladesh is concerned. I sincerely request you to review this plan and bring it to the attention of those who have drawn out the current route,” he said. Dr Moyeen highlighted that when an international road or rail connection under the BRI project goes from one country into India, then into Bangladesh, and then back into India, Bangladesh essentially becomes part of a connectivity corridor rather than becoming the part of an international route. BNP pledges to deregulate business and economy if elected He noted that such a concept could become a highly sensitive issue in terms of Bangladesh's two-political framework in the South Asia region. "The very nature of connectivity makes us examine how the route is proposed…BRI is not just about trade and commerce, connectivity, and the society and culture. This route also has strategic implications, which are central to the sovereignty of a nation,” the BNP leader observed. Dr Moyeen also said the original plan to establish the Asian Highway had lost momentum over the decades as people are now discussing the BRI. As a densely populated small nation, Bangladesh must be cautious when formulating its strategic plans, he concluded. Professor Duan Gang of Yunnan Minzu University presented the keynote paper, highlighting the advantages and features of Yunnan’s integration into the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Among the countries crucial for China in this context, he said Bangladesh holds significant importance due to its strategic geographical location and demographic structure. BNP vows to strengthen ties with China if elected, seeks strategic balance Prof Duan said Bangladesh is part of the proposed Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) economic corridor under the BRI project.  He explained that the corridor would connect China’s Yunnan province with Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Kolkata in India, boosting regional trade and cooperation. Professor Duan said Chinese President Xi Jinping has tasked the Yunnan provincial government with playing a key role in establishing Yunnan as a hub of connectivity with regional countries, including Myanmar, Bangladesh, and India, through the implementation of the BRI. He said BRI would foster closer economic and trade cooperation among the connected countries, boosting not only trade but also health cooperation, people-to-people exchanges, and cultural interactions. Besides, Prof Duan said the BRI would enhance international education cooperation with the countries in the region, leveraging geographical advantages to promote further collaboration. A 21-member Bangladesh friendship delegation, led by Moyeen Khan, attended the programme.

BNP senior leader Dr Abul Moyeen Khan on Tuesday unequivocally told Yunnan Province leaders that if his party comes to power, it would prioritise deepening strategic and diplomatic relations with China to ensure a balance of geopolitical power. "It’s simple that we are in a geographical position where, on three sides, we are encircled by a big and powerful country. We need to balance and bring equilibrium to our geopolitical role and location through our close relationship with China," he told a meeting with Yunnan Province Vice Governor Xu Hao. He said this diplomatic and strategic balancing is essential for the survival of Bangladesh. "I sincerely wish, as in the past, China will continue to offer its fullest support to Bangladesh and its people." A 21-member Bangladesh friendship delegation, led by Dr Moyeen Khan, attended the meeting at the Foreign Affairs Office of the People's Government of Yunnan Province. Senior officials from various departments of the provincial government were present. Mirza Fakhrul hospitalised On behalf of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, Dr Moyeen extended heartfelt congratulations to the Communist Party of China and Yunnan provincial leaders. He also noted that Khaleda Zia has been a consistent and longstanding friend of China for several decades. Dr Moyeen said the BNP’s Acting Chairman has sent them to China with wishes to strengthen future collaboration and friendship between China and Bangladesh. Following the mass uprising in Bangladesh last year, he said, political parties, including BNP, have been eagerly waiting for a national election. “If our party, BNP, along with our allies, is elected by people and forms the government, our first steps will be to strengthen our friendship with the people of China. This is a commitment from BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman," he said. He said the people of Bangladesh have long regarded China as one of their trusted friends. Dr Moyeen said Bangladesh is one-third the size of Yunnan, but its population is three times larger, highlighting the immense pressure on the government to ensure that people receive their rightful benefits and privileges. Beware of attempts to create division: Mirza Abbas He said Bangladesh is primarily an agriculture-based country, much like Yunnan province. "Bangladesh is striving to develop industrially, especially in the Ready Made Garment (RMG) sector, as well as in other areas, though not as successfully as we have in the garment sector," he observed. The BNP leader urged Chinese authorities to extend their cooperation in the agricultural and financial sectors of Bangladesh. He mentioned that the Chinese Ambassador in Dhaka has already indicated support for a water management project along one of the country’s major rivers, the Teesta. Dr Moyeen said the Chinese Ambassador has also indicated that China would support a $1 billion investment to implement this water management and irrigation project. He said millions of poor people, particularly farmers, would greatly benefit if the project is implemented.

BNP Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan on Wednesday urged China to assist Bangladesh in establishing facilities for producing raw materials for the garment sector to reduce the costs of RMG products. “We seek your assistance in setting up the industry in Bangladesh so that we can produce raw materials for finished garment products. If we can manufacture these essential raw materials, we will be able to supply finished garments at a highly competitive price,” he said. He made the remarks during a meeting with the Chinese Vice Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC), Sun Haiyan. The Chinese leader met a unique Bangladeshi delegation comprising leaders from eight political parties, students, scholars and journalists at the IDCPC office in Beijing. Dr Moyeen said Bangladesh requires China's support to produce raw materials for the garment sector within its own borders. “We want to learn from you how to manufacture garment raw materials, including yarn,” he said. China could be one of Bangladesh’s best friends: Chinese Vice Minister Besides, he proposed broader areas of cooperation once 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. 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.  The BNP leader 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. French Ambassador meets BNP leaders The Bangladesh 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). Dr Moyeen Khan said this visit will renew the ties between CPC and Bangladesh’s people and democratic political parties. “We hope the relationship between the people and the governments of the two nations will be further strengthened in the days to come,” he said. The BNP leader said relationship between the people of China and Bangladesh is historic. “We hope these ties will continue not just for another decade, but for thousands of years. This is my sincere wish.” He mentioned that BNP founder Ziaur Rahman formally established Bangladesh’s diplomatic ties with China 50 years ago. “As a result, a new era of collaboration began between the two countries.” 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, 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.

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. French Ambassador meets BNP leaders 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.” Run your govt with a strong hand: Fakhrul to Dr Yunus 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. Tarique urges govt to pay heed to public desire for impartiality 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.