Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen has offered assistance for dredging relevant rivers in Bangladesh — to improve their capacity for better management of flood situations. Ambassador Yao met Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday (July 05, 2023) and discussed issues of mutual interest. While exchanging views on climate change, the issue of the prevailing monsoon and its impact on possible flood situation in the country, particularly the occurrence of flash-floods, came up, according to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Also read: China welcomes Bangladesh to BRICS as the grouping seeks expansion: Spokesperson Foreign Minister Momen reviewed the efforts for facilitating the desired repatriation of the Rohingyas, temporarily sheltered in Bangladesh on humanitarian grounds, to their homeland in Myanmar’s Rakhine State. They also reviewed the ongoing bilateral cooperation in various multilateral and international forums. During the meeting, Foreign Minister Momen reiterated Bangladesh’s commitments for further enhancing the ‘South-South Cooperation’ for greater collective benefit of the global South. He referred to innovative approaches including that of the Community Clinics introduced in Bangladesh by the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, which is now internationally appreciated. Also read: China says PM Hasina's remarks against sanctions reflect a ‘large part of int'l community's mind’ Momen observed that a developing country like Bangladesh could apply a lot of practical, simple and viable Chinese innovations for the benefit of the people. The Chinese envoy spoke about the different development projects in Bangladesh that are being carried out with support from China. Foreign Minister Momen thanked China as a development partner. He encouraged greater Chinese investment in Bangladesh to facilitate more job creation and transfer of technology and skills. Also read: Chinese enterprises in Bangladesh will further promote sustainable development, deepening ties: Ambassador Yao Momen also stressed on initiatives for reducing the huge trade imbalance between the two countries. As the ambassador extended invitations to the foreign minister to various events in China, the latter thanked him and took note of it.

The Prime Minister Office (PMO) on Tuesday directed all concerned to perform their responsibilities with sincerity and integrity as per directives of the Prime Minister to conduct relief and rescue activities, ensure proper management of shelter centres and keep communication network operative in flood-affected areas of the country.

The government has undertaken a number of projects for the infrastructural development of the Haor regions, alongside better flood management with the aim of improving living standards for the inhabitants.