United News of Bangladesh

Highlighting the importance of regional connectivity, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Thursday said China is determined to build an economic corridor with Bangladesh and Myanmar, stressing that the game is not end here and they remain open to other countries to join. “This cooperation is not the end of the game. We are open, and we welcome other countries if they are ready (to join). But it is up to them to decide whether they want to be part of it or whether they prefer to wait and see. China is determined to work with Bangladesh and Myanmar to build the economic corridor,” he said while responding to a question during a media briefing at the Embassy of China.  Ambassador Yao made the remarks when his attention was drawn to a corridor originally conceived in 1999 as the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) Economic Corridor under the BCIM Forum. “I believe Myanmar also wants to have this sort of cooperation and our three countries can construct this connectivity (economic corridor).” The two sides, during the just-concluded visit of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to China, discussed proposals to strengthen regional connectivity, particularly multimodal transport links from Kunming to Bangladeshi ports, as well as China’s proposal for the China-Bangladesh-Myanmar Economic Corridor. Responding to a question, Ambassador Yao said the issue of building an Economic Corridor is not new and there were discussions on Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) Economic Corridor but there had been no progress. Director at the Embassy Zhang Jing and Counselor Song Yang were also present at the media briefing that described the visit as a "complete success." "It's a complete success. It's a milestone in Bangladesh-China relations which reached a new strategic height," said the Ambassador. “The visit has injected strong momentum into the future development of China-Bangladesh relations. The visit was a complete success. It is a milestone in the history of China-Bangladesh relations,” he said. The Ambassador said a new level of trust developed between the two countries with this visit and described the proposed Bangladesh-Myanmar China Economic Corridor as a new strategic opportunity. The two sides also agreed to explore new options for regional connectivity, including direct connectivity between Bangladesh and China, and the development of the China-Myanmar-Bangladesh Economic Corridor. “We believe these initiatives will open up new strategic opportunities for Bangladesh's economic development,” the envoy said. Teesta: Most Closely Watched Issue Ambassador Yao said the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP) was highlighted during the visit as livelihoods of millions of people are involved. "Teesta is a Bangladesh project. It's your project," he added. The envoy said the Teesta project has been one of the most closely watched issues. “During the visit, the Prime Minister met with Chinese Minister of Water Resources Li Guoying. The two sides had in-depth exchanges on water resources cooperation.” Ambassador Yao said China is ready to strengthen practical cooperation with Bangladesh in water resources planning, river management, flood prevention and disaster reduction. “We will also enhance capacity building and personnel training in the water sector. Let me make one point very clear. China's commitment to the Teesta river project remains unchanged,” he said. The envoy said China will continue to provide support and assistance within its capacity for the Teesta project and support experts from both countries in expediting the feasibility study and related work. He also talked about the key achievements of the Prime Minister's visit to China - the launch of a strategic dialogue at the foreign minister level and the exploration of a "2+2" dialogue mechanism covering diplomacy and defence. Talking about defence cooperation, Ambassador Yao said Bangladesh-China cooperation is comprehensive and the defence cooperation is part of that. He declined to make comments on any specific defence purchase. “We also agreed to establish a strategic dialogue mechanism between the two foreign ministers and explore a "2+2" dialogue mechanism on diplomacy and defense,” he said, noting that these arrangements will provide a stronger and more stable platform for strategic communication between the two countries. The two sides agreed to maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges, enhance mutual learning on governance, and strengthen cooperation between governments, legislative bodies and political parties. The Ambassador said China has all along attached great importance to the development of Bangladesh-China relations and stayed true to the policy of good-neighborliness and friendship toward all the people of Bangladesh. “No matter how the world changes, China will not waver in its commitment to the overall direction of China-Bangladesh friendly relations, and will always be a trustworthy good friend, good neighbor and good partner of Bangladesh,” said the Chinese envoy. He said China welcomes Bangladesh's participation in the group of friends of the Global Development Initiative (GDI) and stands ready to work with Bangladesh to advance the MoU on promoting the implementation of the GDI. The GDI focuses on humanity’s shared development needs, aligns closely with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and addresses key global development challenges. Reaching a New Strategic Height Ambassador Yao said the most significant outcome of the visit was the decision by the two sides to elevate the Bangladesh-China Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership to jointly build a ‘China-Bangladesh Community with a Shared Future in the New Era.’ He said this represents the highest level of China's relations with its friendly neighbors in Asia. This was the Prime Minister's first visit to China since taking office. It was also the first formal meeting between the leaders of the two countries since the formation of Bangladesh's new government. “The leaders of the two countries had candid and productive discussions. They reached important new consensus and sent a clear message of stronger communication, deeper mutual trust and closer cooperation,” said Ambassador Yao. He said the visit has opened a new chapter in Bangladesh-China friendship. “As our two countries embark on the next golden fifty years of bilateral relations, China stands ready to work with Bangladesh to fully implement the important consensus reached by our leaders and the outcomes of the visit.” Together, the envoy said, they will translate these outcomes into tangible results and stronger momentum for economic and social development, bringing greater benefits to our two countries and our two peoples. Bangladesh and China signed 17 bilateral instruments, including MoUs, agreements, a joint action plan, and an agricultural trade protocol, to further strengthen bilateral relations. The two sides signed an MoU on promoting the implementation of the Global Development Initiative (GDI). Another MoU on exchanges and cooperation between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Communist Party of China was also signed.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen has expressed interest in importing 1000 metric tonnes of hilsa from Bangladesh. “There is a huge demand for Bangladeshi hilsa fish in China. Bangladesh has the opportunity to reduce the trade gap through hilsa export,” he said. The Chinese Ambassador shared this information at a meeting with the Commerce Adviser Sk. Bashir Uddin at the Secretariat on Thursday. The Chinese Ambassador also expressed eagerness to import mango, jackfruit and guava and increase investment in these sectors in Bangladesh. China could be one of Bangladesh’s best friends: Chinese Vice Minister During the meeting, they discussed ways to improve bilateral relations in detail and the increase in trade and investment. Mentioning that China is one of the major development partners and friends of Bangladesh, the Commerce Adviser said, “There is scope to strengthen bilateral relations by increasing investment.” He also urged for increasing Chinese investment in agriculture, transportation, agro-machinery and healthcare sectors in Bangladesh. BNP leaders, journalists among 21-member delegation off to China He called for increasing import of goods from Bangladesh and reducing all types of tariffs on imported goods to reduce the trade gap. The adviser said that setting up truck manufacturing factories and investment in modernisation of agriculture in Bangladesh will bring good results for the two countries. Besides, the Chinese ambassador said Chinese investors are interested to invest in Bangladesh and 30 Chinese companies have shown interest to invest in the Chittagong Economic Zone.    

Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen has offered his country’s cooperation in judicial development and training, focusing on strengthening the rule of law and ensuring justice in Bangladesh. He came up with the offer during a meeting with Chief Justice Dr Syed Refaat Ahmed at his office on Monday. ‘World is watching, future is calling’: Foreign Adviser Ambassador Yao, leading a three-member delegation, praised the Chief Justice’s recent efforts to institutionalise and fortify Bangladesh’s judiciary. He stressed the importance of a robust legal system for fostering good governance and expressed China’s readiness to cooperate in training programs and exchanges between judges of both nations. No info on religious-based visa rejections for students by Poland: MoFA In response, Chief Justice Dr Syed Refaat Ahmed reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the rule of law in Bangladesh, particularly in the aftermath of the post-July-August revolution. He assured full cooperation from the Bangladesh Supreme Court in strengthening judicial ties with China.

BNP Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan held a meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Sunday. The meeting took place at the Chinese Embassy in Baridhara in the morning, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. He said the discussions focused on Bangladesh’s current political situation, as well as the future development and cooperation between Bangladesh and China. People deserve to know state reform timeline: Tarique Rahman “Given BNP’s inevitable role in the country’s future political landscape, the issues of future development cooperation between China and Bangladesh were central to the talks,” he said. Recalling that diplomatic relations with China were established during the leadership of BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman,  Sayrul said Dr Moyeen expressed the hope that the bilateral relations will reach a new height if a democratic government is formed through fair and impartial elections in the future.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen met BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia on Wednesday evening. The one-hour and 20-minute meeting, which began around 7:30 pm, was held at Khaleda Zia’s residence in the city’s Gulshan area, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. The Chinese ambassador exchanged greetings with Khaleda Zia and inquired about her health. Election roadmap to thwart all conspiracies: BNP During the meeting, Yao Wen presented a traditional Chinese wall banner to the BNP chairperson. BNP Standing Committee member Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain and Vice Chairman Altaf Hossain Chowdhury were also present.  

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Thursday said China stands ready to further integrate development strategies with Bangladesh, deepen practical cooperation in various fields and bring the Bangladesh-China strategic partnership of cooperation to a new level. He said that China is also keen to deliver more benefits to the people of the two countries. "After Bangladesh’s national parliament election to be held on January 7th next year, China-Bangladesh relations and practical cooperation in various fields will develop in a wider range," he said while speaking at a seminar in Dhaka. Beyond the bilateral level, Ambassador Yao said the Bangladesh-China cooperation would further extend to regional and international arenas and play a greater role in maintaining peace, stability and development for the sake of the entire mankind. "Thus it calls for people from all walks of life of the two countries, including all of you present here, to cherish, care for and shape the China-Bangladesh relations," he said, adding that think tanks and scholars of the two countries can play a unique and irreplaceable role. Bangladesh deserves the best, says Kosovo envoy to Dhaka The Centre for Alternatives (CA), in collaboration with the Embassy of China in Bangladesh, hosted the seminar on “National Image of China in Bangladesh.” The keynote presentation was delivered by Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed, Professor of International Relations at the University of Dhaka and Executive Director of the Centre for Alternatives (CA). Two speakers Dr. Sk. Tawfique M. Haque, Professor, Director, SIPG Programme, Chair, Department of Political Science and Sociology, North South University, Dhaka, and Dr. Shahab Enam Khan, Professor, Jahangirnagar University, delivered the speech. Dr. Amena Mohsin, Professor of International Relations at the University of Dhaka, delivered the vote of thanks. Dr. Imtiaz pointed out China’s national image among Bangladeshis, especially their socioeconomic, political, developmental, and geographical differences. Bangladesh remains extra vigilant about Myanmar violence: MoFA spokesperson The primary focus was on what young people were thinking about the Bangladesh-China relationship. Dr Tawfique Haque addressed two areas the Chinese government needs to consider regarding Bangladesh; firstly, China should clarify that its way of resolving the Rohingya crisis differs from that of other Western nations. Secondly, China should create a counter-narrative against the debt trap narrative, as Bangladeshis are still suspicious of this narrative. Dr. Shahab Enam Khan pointed out that ‘acts of balancing’ best describe relations between Bangladesh and China. Regarding supply chain management, failing traditional international institutions and national economic priorities, Bangladesh must ensure a balanced relationship with China and other development partners. "We welcome and support the top minds of China and Bangladesh to further strengthen in-depth research on our bilateral relations, in particular from the perspectives of country studies, regional cooperation and geopolitics, and make valuable suggestions," said Ambassador Yao. It is also expected that the academia of the two countries could pay closer attention to China-Bangladesh economic and trade cooperation, think about the way to cope with a series of new challenges that the two countries are facing, and propose creative suggestions for the betterment of China-Bangladesh relations under new circumstances, he said. ‘If US can raise hourly wage, we can follow that model; inflation is high there’: Momen Yao said that the report and relative data show a positive perception of China among Bangladesh's young people, as well as identifying several areas where China can concentrate more to improve its image in the future. Former Ambassador Tariq Karim, former Foreign Affairs Adviser to a caretaker government Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, former Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haque, Dr. Zaidi Sattar, Professor Dr. Barkat-E-Khuda also attended the seminar.

China has called on relevant countries to exercise restraint, to take an objective and just position, to work for de-escalation of conflict, and to avoid causing an even bigger blow to regional and international security. “China condemns all violence and attacks against civilians, and opposes all acts in violation of international law,” Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen said during his meeting with Yousef Ramadan, Ambassador of Palestine to Bangladesh, on Monday (October 16, 2023). Read: Death toll rises to 2,670 in Gaza: ministry The two sides exchanged in-depth views on Palestine. Ambassador Yao noted that regarding the latest round of the conflict, China believes that it is a top priority to make all-out efforts to stop the fighting as soon as possible, prevent it from spreading endlessly, and avoid further deterioration of the situation. In the meantime, he said, it is imperative to observe the international humanitarian law, make every effort to ensure the safety of civilians, open up a humanitarian rescue and assistance passage as quickly as possible, and prevent a severe humanitarian disaster. The UN should play its due role in resolving the question of Palestine, said the Chinese envoy. Read: What military support the U.S. is providing to Israel's military “The UN Security Council needs to shoulder important responsibilities for this, build international consensus as quickly as possible and take real measures to that end,” he said, adding that the protection of civilians in armed conflict is a red line under international humanitarian law. Ambassador Yao also said, the indiscriminate use of force is unacceptable, and neither Palestinian nor Israeli civilians should be targeted. “The safety of UN staff and humanitarian workers must be guaranteed.” China is communicating with the relevant parties, according to Chinese Embassy in Dhaka. The special envoy of the Chinese government on the Middle East issue will soon visit relevant countries in the region and make active efforts to facilitate a cessation of violence and de-escalate the situation. In the meantime, China calls for a more authoritative, influential and broad-based international peace conference to be held under the auspices of the UN to build international consensus for peace and work for a comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the question of Palestine at an early date. Ambassador Yao pointed out that regarding the question of Palestine, it is at the heart of the Middle East issue and a wound that keeps being torn open in today’s world. “The root cause of this question lies in the long delay in realizing the dream of an independent State of Palestine and the failure to redress the historical injustice suffered by the Palestinian people,” he said. “Israel has the right to statehood, so does Palestine. The Israelis have obtained the safeguards for survival, but who will care about the survival of the Palestinians? The Jewish nation is no longer homeless in the world, but when will the Palestinian nation return to its home? There is no shortage of injustices in the world, but the injustice to Palestine has dragged on for over half a century. The sufferings that plagued generations must not continue,” said the Chinese ambassador.  Read: Israel's Netanyahu vows to 'destroy' Hamas, says Gaza offensive still in early stages The answer to the question is the two-state solution and an independent State of Palestine, he said. “This is how Palestine and Israel could coexist in peace and how the Arabs and Jews could live in harmony. Only when the two-state solution is fully implemented can the Middle East truly enjoy peace and Israel enjoy lasting security,” said Ambassador Yao. He said the right way to advance the two-state solution is to resume peace talks as soon as possible. “All mechanisms for peace must play a positive role.” Ambassador Yao stressed that on the question of Palestine, China will continue to stand on the side of peace, on the side of justice, on the side of international law, on the side of shared aspirations of the majority of countries in the world, and on the side of human conscience. Read more: Relocation of Gaza residents extremely dangerous: UN chief

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen today (January 23, 2023) said China supports any global initiative if it remains conducive to common development worldwide and avoids division or confrontation. He said any initiative by a country should be “open and inclusive” instead of being exclusive to a particular country or against any country. The Chinese ambassador made the remarks when a reporter wanted to know his views on various global initiatives including the Indo-Pacific strategy. Ambassador Wen had a meeting with Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen at his office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Also read: Outgoing Chinese Ambassador Li Jiming hopes Rohingya repatriation will start next year Responding to a question on sanctioned Russian ship heading towards China, the ambassador said he saw the media reports and hoped that any sort of sanction would not affect ordinary people and cooperation with any country. He also said that those were “unilateral sanctions”, and not by the United Nations. Bangladesh has conveyed to the Russian side that they can send any ship except those 69 sanctioned ones carrying equipment for the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant. Sanctioned Russian ship Sparta III (Ursa Major) was scheduled to dock at Mongla port in Bangladesh at the end of December last year and unload cargo destined for the Rooppur power plant in Pabna. Read more: Bangladesh won’t accept those Russian ships which are under sanctions: FM But the authorities denied the ship permission to dock at the port after officials got a letter from the US Embassy in Dhaka, saying that the ship was on a list of Russian vessels sanctioned by the US. The ship is en route to the port of Shanghai, China, sailing at a speed of 10.4 knots and expected to arrive there on January 31, according to vesselfinder.com which provides real-time vessel data. Asked about the sanctioned ship's location, Foreign Minister Momen said they do not know anything further about the ship but reiterated that Bangladesh will not allow any sanctioned ship. Regarding the situation along the border with Myanmar, he said the relevant ministries are working and they are also in touch with the Bangladesh mission in Myanmar. Read More: Shipments for Rooppur plant and Bangabandhu Rail Bridge arrive at Mongla port "The situation is not good," said the foreign minister, noting that people are moving from one place to another out of panic. He said that no new entry from Myanmar will be allowed amid conflicts between two groups on the Myanmar side.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming Thursday paid a farewell call on Speaker of the Parliament Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury in the capital. Yan Hualong, minister counsellor of the embassy, was also present. During the meeting the speaker recalled her meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the latter's visit to Bangladesh in 2016, the talks with her Chinese counterpart Li Zhanshu earlier this year, and the experience of attending the past sessions of the China-South Asia Exposition. She lauded the interactions between top leaders and parliaments of the two countries. Read: Outgoing Chinese Ambassador Li Jiming hopes Rohingya repatriation will start next year She asked Ambassador Li to convey her warm regards to the Chinese leaders and invited the Chinese side to the upcoming celebration of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Bangladesh Parliament. Shirin appreciated China's contribution to Bangladesh's fight against Covid-19, the construction of major development projects in the country, and the facilitation of repatriating displaced persons from the Rakhine State of Myanmar to Bangladesh. She highly commended Ambassador Li for his significant contribution to Bangladesh-China relations during his tenure and welcomed him to visit Bangladesh anytime in the future. Ambassador Li appreciated her efforts in promoting inter-parliamentary exchanges between the two countries. Read: Momen bids farewell to Li Jiming He hoped that, with the help of the speaker, the Bangladesh Parliament would further contribute to pursuing economic growth in Bangladesh and uplifting China-Bangladesh relations to a higher level. The two sides also discussed bilateral cooperation on trade and economy and people-to-people exchange.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming on Thursday said China hopes that the repatriation of displaced Rohingya people will start next year. The outgoing Chinese Ambassador expressed the expectation when he paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the latter's official residence Ganabhaban this morning. PM's Deputy Press Secretary KM Shakhawat Moon briefed reporters after the meeting. Read more: No good news yet from Chinese side on Rohingya repatriation: Momen The Prime Minister said Bangladesh has been giving shelter to the forcibly displaced Rohingya people on humanitarian grounds. But they are now burden on Bangladesh for various reasons including food security, she said.  Noting that the displaced people are the nationals of Myanmar, Sheikh Hasina said, "Now they should go back to their own country." She hoped that Myanmar would take them the displaced people back to their country. The Prime Minister expressed her satisfaction over the good progress of several China-assisted mega projects for infrastructural development in Bangladesh. She thanked China for its investment in Bangabandhu Tunnel under the Karnaphuli River in Chattogram. She also thanked the President and the Prime Minister of China. Also read: We are promoting grassroots arts and culture: PM Hasina Noting that Bangladesh firmly believes in upholding humanism, friendship and peace, she said Bangladesh wants to maintain friendly relationship with neighbouring countries. The momentum of the Bangladesh-China relationship would continue thriving further in the days to come, she hoped. The Chinese ambassador applauded the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for socioeconomic development in Bangladesh. "It has been possible due to only you," the envoy was quoted. The premier congratulated the outgoing Chinese ambassador for completing his full tenure and appreciated him for his contribution to the Bangladesh-China bilateral relationship. PM's outgoing Principal Secretary Dr. Ahmad Kaikaus was present.