Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Monday said as Bangladesh has witnessed the most significant political change in its national history, the future of Bangladesh-China relations in a post-revolution setting requires a more comprehensive approach. "It is likely that the post-revolution trajectory of Bangladesh and its future relations with China might be influenced by various factors, including Bangladesh's political stability, and the changing dynamics of regional and global politics," he said.  The adviser made the remarks while speaking at a seminar on "Bangladesh-China Relations: A Future Outlook" at InterContinental Hotel in Dhaka. Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen and experts from both sides spoke at the seminar.  Although the future of bilateral ties between Bangladesh and China can be shaped by several factors, Adviser Hossain said, the core elements of cooperation such as aspects of trade and investment, infrastructure development, and technology sharing need to endure, since these aspects are propelled by mutual interests in economic advancement and regional stability.  In the coming days, he said, along with focusing on the core elements, both countries can also expedite meaningful collaboration on several other emerging areas such as green energy, tourism, satellite technology and climate change.  Also, to devise a mutually beneficial future outlook of the bilateral ties between the two countries, new avenues of collaboration need to be explored by both sides, he said. "I believe the exchange of ideas will help us more to understand how the future course of the bilateral relations between the two countries will evolve in the midst of evolving internal, regional and global dynamics," Hossain said. He also talked about how this bilateral cooperation can contribute in reorienting Bangladesh's post-revolution economic trajectory, and how this bilateral cooperation needs to advance in the context of the country’s changing political landscape. Over the past years, since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the adviser said, China and Bangladesh have relentlessly valued each other as equals, pursued mutual benefits and advantageous outcomes.  AmCham for branding Bangladesh as an investment destination through "strategic diplomacy" Both countries, from the very beginning, supported each other on the matters of core interests, and worked together on the path to realizing their respective development, he said.  Hence, the Foreign Affairs Adviser said, the diplomatic ties between Bangladesh and China set an example of amicable coexistence and cooperative success. Hossain said Bangladesh is keen to strengthen both its economic and security ties with China along with deepening collaboration in several critical areas including clean energy and infrastructure development. Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) and the Centre for China Studies (SIIS-DU) jointly organised the seminar.  The two countries are looking forward to celebrating the 50 years anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. China is an important partner in the modernization of Bangladesh’s military while Bangladesh looks forward to further cooperation particularly in the military training programmes. Hossain said enhanced defence cooperation could play in increasing Bangladesh's involvement in United Nations peacekeeping operations, which remains a key priority for the country. The adviser pointed to infrastructure development as another area of potential collaboration with China, stressing the need for sustainable projects. "We welcome further cooperation in infrastructure development and energy projects, particularly in green energy,” he said, emphasizing on completing projects on time. The Foreign Adviser highlighted China's role in the ongoing efforts to resolve the Rohingya crisis, stressing that the only viable solution involves the safe repatriation of the Rohingyas to their land of origin in Myanmar. "We appreciate China's cooperation, but unfortunately, the trilateral dialogue has not yet succeeded in returning even one Rohingya (in the last seven years)," he said. Chair of the Committee on White Paper on the State of Bangladesh's Economy, Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya, was present as special guest at the event. Director of the Academic Advisory Council, SIIS Professor Dr. Yang Jiemian made a special remark at the inaugural session. BISS chairman Ambassador AFM Gousal Azam Sarker presided over the inaugural session while director general Major General Iftekhar Anis gave the welcome speech.   In his remark, the Chinese Ambassador said Bangladesh has recently experienced significant political transformations and is now at a critical historical juncture. Govt unaware of Hasina’s whereabouts: Touhid Hossain “As a comprehensive strategic cooperative partner, China firmly supports the interim government in its endeavours to state reforms, maintaining law and order, promoting economic development, and improving the livelihoods of the people,” he said. Referring to his recent interactions with Bangladesh's interim government, political parties, and various sectors of society, the envoy said he witnessed firm commitment from Bangladeshi people to China-Bangladesh friendship and their support for developing bilateral relations. “They believe that our two countries are now facing significant historical opportunities for deeper cooperation,” he said. The Ambassador said China supports Bangladesh in becoming a partner country of the BRICS mechanism and a dialogue partner with ASEAN. “China is willing to contribute to the repatriation of the Rohingyas and work closely with Bangladesh on international and regional affairs, strengthening coordination and cooperation within the United Nations and other multilateral frameworks,” he said. Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya urged Chinese companies to invest in the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ) in Bangladesh. He emphasized that such investments are essential to making the Karnaphuli Tunnel economically viable and its role as a catalyst for enhanced economic cooperation between Bangladesh and China. There were three working sessions in the seminar. The first working session titled "The Impact of Bangladesh's Changing Political Landscape on Regional Dynamics" was moderated by former Foreign Secretary Ambassador Farooq Sobhan.  The second working session titled "Bangladesh's Political, Economic, and Social Reforms and the Trends" was moderated by Associate Research Fellow, Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies Dr. Zhang Jiuan. Dhaka University’s International Relations Professor Amena Mohsin moderated the third working session titled "Strengthening China- Bangladesh Cooperation and Advancing the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership."

Visiting Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Liu Jianchao, has underscored the significance of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s upcoming visit to China in July which he thinks will help uplift the relationship, engaging in new areas of cooperation for mutual benefit. “I’m sure that during this visit, the relationship will be uplifted again. We are really grateful for her (PM Hasina) tremendous contributions to China-Bangladesh relations,” he said while speaking as the chief guest at a dialogue in Dhaka today (June 25, 2024). Minister Jianchao said that today China and Bangladesh are breaking new ground for further and stronger partnership and friendship as both countries are developing fast and both governments are committed to delivering for the people and to the modernization drive. He emphasized the historical depth and future potential of Bangladesh-China relations and noted that the relationship with Bangladesh is always one of China’s priorities in its neighbourhood diplomacy, which is making steady progress under the guidance of the two leaders. Read more: China backs Bangladesh's bid to join BRICS: Minister Liu Jianchao “Strong friendship and trust have been developed between the two peoples during their fight for national liberation and independence. The seed of this friendship was planted by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman,” he added. The Chinese Embassy in Dhaka hosted the dialogue titled “Looking Towards the Future of China-Bangladesh Relations: A Conversation with the CPC Delegation” at the Renaissance Hotel. The event, moderated by the Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, also brought together leaders from Bangladesh Awami League and its associate bodies, BNP, Jatiya Party, Workers Party, as well as representatives from the business, academic, and media communities, who engaged in insightful discussions on various aspects of Bangladesh-China ties and highlighted issues needing enhanced attention. Ambassador Yao Wen said this event is more than a celebration of friendship; it is a pivotal moment to foster deeper connections and explore avenues for mutual growth. “China and Bangladesh share a legacy of amity that has been nurtured over generations,” he said. “The flourishing state of our relations is a result of our joint endeavours and the collective aspirations of our peoples. This dialogue serves as a vital channel for the exchange of ideas and perspectives on advancing our partnership,” said the Chinese envoy. In his opening remarks, Liu Jianchao expressed his enthusiasm about the visit to Bangladesh, saying, “I was really excited about this trip even before I came. Not only because I’ve never been to Bangladesh, but also because in recent years, I’ve been hearing about the economic miracle of this great country. In the last two-three days, I’ve been moving around, meeting local people, visiting projects contracted or supported by China, such as the Padma Bridge, and Bangladeshi companies.” Read more: China keen to continue all possible co-operation for Bangladesh’s development: Minister Liu Jianchao He also met with the leaders of Bangladesh, including Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud. “I had a strong sense that the China-Bangladesh partnership and friendship have remained very strong. Next year, we’re going to celebrate the 50th anniversary, half a century of excellent relationship between our two countries.” Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Bangladesh, both countries have consistently respected, trusted, and supported each other, he observed. “Our relationship has emerged even stronger and become a paradigm of equality, mutual benefit, mutual respect, and harmonious coexistence between neighbours. The Chinese Dream and the Sonar Bangla dovetail each other and can enable each other’s success,” the Chinese minister said. He recalled the historic visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Bangladesh in October 2016, during which the relationship was elevated to a strategic cooperative partnership. He also highlighted the meeting between President Xi and Prime Minister Hasina in South Africa last August, where they reached important consensus on strengthening strategic communication, promoting high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and enhancing people-to-people exchanges and multilateral cooperation. Liu Jianchao detailed the tangible benefits arising from the cooperation between China and Bangladesh under the Belt and Road Initiative. “Fourteen major infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Framework have been put to use or made fast progress, including the Padma Bridge and the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman tunnel. These projects have delivered tangible benefits to our two peoples and served as a firm basis for our future cooperation,” he stated. He expressed China’s readiness to work with Bangladesh on aligning the Belt and Road Initiative with Vision 2041 and the development of the southern region in Bangladesh, emphasizing deeper cooperation in infrastructure, digital economy, clean energy, climate response, and industrial upgrading. Addressing the importance of maintaining relationships with political parties, the minister outlined China’s diplomatic principles. “We uphold three major principles when dealing with political parties of other countries. First, we never draw ideological lines, and that is why we have friends all over the world. Second, we develop relations with political parties of other countries, no matter whether they are in office or not. Third, we are committed to seeking common ground while resolving differences, respecting each other, and learning from each other,” Liu Jianchao explained. He noted that China has invited many political party leaders from Bangladesh to visit China, enhancing mutual understanding, trust, and friendship. Shammi Ahmed MP, International Affairs Secretary of Awami League, expressed optimism about Prime Minister Hasina’s upcoming visit to China. “China is a role model to every developing country and the second-largest economic power. Bangladesh Awami League signed an MoU with the CPC, and that is the only political party in the world that officially Awami League has signed a memorandum of understanding with,” she said. Read more: PM Hasina's forthcoming visit to China will significantly advance dev cooperation: Foreign Minister

Road Transport and Bridges Minister and Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader today (October 05, 2023) said that he was not wrong when he said “a lot is going on behind the scenes.” He said this while exchanging views with journalists at the conference room of the Road Transport and Highways Department, at the Secretariat. Also read: No worries over visa policy, PM reached understanding with all: Quader Regarding his earlier remark that there has been some “agreement or consensus”, Quader said, “The issue of rumours and propaganda in our country has become rampant. According to rumours, the relationship between Bangladesh and the United States has deteriorated. Such rumours and misinformation have spread widely. This is not desirable at this time.” “Don’t you understand what I said? No one was aware for a week about the meeting with the US security adviser. So, there’s a lot going on behind the scenes, and I wasn’t wrong,” Quader added. Also read: Hasina and Biden have discussed importance of free, fair elections in Bangladesh as well as improving relations During her recent visit to Washington DC, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina held a meeting with US National Security Adviser, Jake Sullivan. “Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her daughter took a selfie with Joe Biden. That was being discussed. There was still some talk. Reaching consensus behind the scenes means improving relations. That’s what I meant,” the AL leader clarified. When pointed out that many are taking the “behind the scenes” expression negatively, he said, “If anyone wants to take it negatively, it is up to them. At public rallies, people want excitement… which is why exciting words like “toley toley”, “khela hobe” are used.” Also read: Bangladesh not safe in BNP's hands: Quader Responding to a question on relationship with China, Quader said, “China has a role to play in our development activities. We can’t bypass that. We are taking their help.”

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Saturday (May 06, 2023) said China, as a responsible major country, has been "unswervingly mediating" between Bangladesh and Myanmar to promote the repatriation of the Rohingyas to their homeland.  "A local friend once told me sincerely that many people provide lip-services, but only China is actually doing practical things to proceed with the repatriation," he said. The ambassador was delivering keynote speech at a symposium as part of the Cosmos Dialogue Ambassadors’ Lecture Series entitled "Bangladesh-China Relations: Prognosis for the Future" at hotel in Dhaka. The discussion was chaired and conducted by President, Cosmos Foundation and former foreign affairs advisor Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury. Chairman of Cosmos Foundation Enayetullah Khan delivered the welcome remarks.  Bangladesh is hosting over 1.1 million Rohingyas in Cox's Bazar and Bhasan Char.  A 27-member delegation including 20 Rohingyas visited Myanmar’s Rakhine on Friday to see the preparation to resettle the possible returnees. They visited 15 villages and other infrastructure built for the Rohingyas. Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC) Mohammed Mizanur Rahman, also the leader of the delegation said, “We returned with 20 Rohingyas after visiting the arrangements made for them around Maungdaw town. I have seen the goodwill of the Myanmar government regarding repatriation. We want to start repatriation.” Also Read: Momen sees hope for Rohingyas' repatriation in latest Chinese initiative Responding to a question, Ambassador Yao said the Rohingya issue is a humanitarian tragedy and it should never happen again.  

The newly-appointed Chinese ambassador in Dhaka has said there is no limit to the potential of Bangladesh-China relations. "Bangladesh and China are natural cooperation partners. Both are developing countries with huge populations. There is no unresolved dispute or historical burden between us," Ambassador Yao Wen said during a welcome reception held at the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka on Monday night. More than 400 dignitaries from the Bangladeshi government, army, political parties, enterprises, universities, think tanks, media houses, foreign missions in Dhaka and the local Chinese community attended the event. Chief of Army Staff General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed, Prime Minister's Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman F Rahman MP, and Shabbir Ahmad Chowdhury, secretary (west) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, were present. Read more: China will remain engaged in Bangladesh’s next stage of development journey: Momen As close neighbours, the people of the two countries enjoy a natural sense of intimacy and similar ideas and values, said Yao, the 16th ambassador of China to Bangladesh. In the 1950s, Bangladesh's Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman visited China twice, the envoy added. "He was so much impressed by what he witnessed in the journey and wrote the travelogue 'New China as I saw,' which infuses his kind and warm feeling towards China deep in the minds and hearts of Bangladeshi people." "China-Bangladesh cooperation improves the well-being of our two peoples. The cooperation on economy, trade and mega projects serves as the pillar of our bilateral relations," said Ambassador Yao, who landed in Dhaka two months ago. "A good number of roads, bridges, power plants, ports and other infrastructure projects have been completed, which have reshaped the landscape of Bangladesh, provided more than one million job opportunities, and promoted socio-economic development as well as people's livelihood in Bangladesh,” the envoy noted. Read more: ‘Some misunderstandings can hurt Bangladesh-China relations’ "China has embarked on a new journey towards a modern socialist country in all respects, while Bangladesh is striving with no effort spared for the splendid dream of 'Sonar Bangla' by working on the country's Vision 2041. Both countries have the same goals and similar visions," he added. "China-Bangladesh relations will set a good example for developing countries to understand, trust and support each other. The last three years were difficult for all of us due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel," Ambassador Yao said. Since March, flights between China and Bangladesh have been operating daily, and there will be more high-level visits, people-to-people contact, economic, trade and investment cooperation, cultural and artistic exchanges between the two countries, he promised. Read More: Bangladesh will have to maintain good relations with US, India and China: Momen

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen today (January 10, 2023) said Bangladesh is maintaining good relations with both global powers USA and China through its balanced foreign policy, though it is a “challenging” task. “That is a challenging thing. They (US, China) might have their own problems. That is their headache, not ours. We want to maintain good relations with both,” he said. Momen made the remarks when a reporter wanted to know how the Bangladesh government is maintaining relations with the United States and China. The foreign minister referred to the historic quote of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, “Friendship to all, malice towards none”, which has recently been incorporated in a UN General Assembly resolution. “We believe in this policy,” Momen said. Also read: China will remain engaged in Bangladesh’s next stage of development journey: Momen Momen received the newly appointed Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang during the latter’s brief stopover at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport early today while US Senior Director for South Asia, National Security Council, Rear Admiral Eileen Laubacher, wrapped up her four-day visit to Bangladesh. On the other hand, a delegation of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), led by Vice Minister Chen Zhou, is currently visiting Bangladesh to have interactions with Bangladesh leadership. The CPC delegation is scheduled to leave Dhaka on January 11 while Donald Lu, who became Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs on September 15, 2021, is likely to begin his Bangladesh visit on January 15. Asked whether Bangladesh-US discussed the election issue during US official Laubacher’s visit, Momen said the next national election will be held after one year, and over the last 14 years, elections were held in a free, fair manner. “Our country is a democratic country.” Also read: Bangladesh reassures Chinese FM of one-China policy, seeks better trade relations He said the overall election environment can be improved through joint efforts domestically with the participation of people and all parties. Momen said it would be unfortunate if anyone violence occurs during elections and it cannot be stopped by “recommendations from the outside. We have to do this.” The foreign minister said the government wants to ensure a free, fair and acceptable election and that is why there is an independent Election Commission. Momen said considering the remarkable development over the last 14 years under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, people will re-elect Awami League for their better future. Read More: New Chinese foreign minister makes brief stopover at Dhaka airport “We believe in people. People will vote for Awami League if there is a fair election. Awami League is a democratic party. We never came to power through the backdoor,” said the foreign minister, adding that, “Our intention is good. We have a good track record.”

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming today said that Bangladesh-China relations have seen rapid and sound development. However, he also noted: “I should admit that there are still some misunderstandings on China-related issue, originating from cultural difference, cognitive bias or fake news.” Read: Ambassador Li visits Chinese projects in Rangpur The envoy said these will inevitably undermine the friendly base of China-Bangladesh relations and further hinder the mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries. He was speaking at a programme titled “National Image on China in Bangladesh” held in a city hotel. The ambassador said there is no so-called “Chinese debt trap” and the government of Bangladesh knows this well.

Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni on Wednesday said Bangladesh has been learning a lot from its biggest development partner, China, in poverty alleviation. “Both Bangladesh and China are among the most populous countries in the world and poverty alleviation is very important for both states,” she said while addressing a webinar as the chief guest. At the same time, Dipu Moni said, other countries are learning from Bangladesh a lot on how it has progressed tremendously under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Referring to the deep-rooted ties between the two nations, the minister said people normally talk about the 46 years of diplomatic relationship between Bangladesh and China. “But, I believe, the friendship between the two countries goes at least 2,000 years back. She appreciated Chinese outstanding contribution towards Bangladesh’s socio-economic and education sectors, and urged the Asian giant to strengthen it in the days to come. Underlining the observations of some speakers, Moni said that for creating more skilled and time-befitting human resources Bangladesh is putting emphasis on technical and vocational education and training. The webinar titled “Poverty Eradication: Experiences from Bangladesh and China” was held on the occasion of declaration of a 25-member and two-year-long executive committee of the Association of Bangladesh-China Alumni (ABCA). Dipu Moni welcomed the newly-announced executive committee of the ABCA with Ambassador Munshi Faiz Ahmad as President of the association and Professor Dr Shahabul Haque as general secretary.

Terming China the largest trading partner of Bangladesh, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming on Wednesday said the Bangladesh-China relations have achieved a rapid development. "The political mutual trust between our two sides has continued to deepen, the cultural exchange and education cooperation as an integral part of our deeply-rooted bilateral relations, have been active and fruitful," he said. Currently, the envoy said, China has become one of the top destinations for Bangladeshi students to study abroad and students are one of the main cornerstones of the friendship between the two peoples. "All of you are well aware of the journey to development that our two countries are having together and shoulder to shoulder," said the Ambassador.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming has said Bangladesh should never worry about bad debt or so-called debt trap, noting that Bangladesh has managed foreign debt very well with an excellent system in place. “I would say that you’ve managed foreign debt very, very well, and there’s no such bad debt so far at all. You’ve earned a very, very high credit (recognition) internationally in terms of (managing) international debts. So, never worry about that,” Ambassador Li said. He made the remarks while responding to a question at an online symposium titled “Bangladesh-China Relations: Prognosis for the Future” hosted by the Cosmos Foundation and premiered on its Facebook page on Thursday evening. Cosmos Foundation Chairman Enayetullah Khan delivered the opening and concluding remarks at the event while Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, renowned scholar-diplomat and adviser on foreign affairs to the last caretaker government, chaired the session. Ambassador (retd) Tariq A. Karim, CPD Distinguished Fellow Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya, former Foreign Secretary Shamsher M. Chowdhury, Assistant Researcher of the Institute for International Studies at Yunnan University Dr Zou Yingmeng, Assistant Research Fellow at China Institute of International Studies Dr Ning Shengnan, former Ambassador Serajul Islam and Dhaka University Professor Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir comprised the panel of discussants.