United News of Bangladesh

Foreign Ministers from the BIMSTEC Member States jointly met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Friday. He had "fruitful discussions" with the group of Ministers on further strengthening the regional cooperation in diverse areas including connectivity, energy, trade, health, agriculture, science, security and people to people exchanges. Hasan Mahmud requests Jaishankar to ensure smooth supply of commodities from India Modi stressed the role of BIMSTEC as an engine for economic and social growth. He reaffirmed India's commitment to a peaceful, prosperous, resilient and safe BIMSTEC region and highlighted its significance to India’s Neighbourhood First and Look East Policies as well as in its SAGAR vision for Security and Growth for All in the Region. Chinese PM announces 1 billion RMB for Bangladesh as economic assistance: Hasan Mahmud Modi expressed India’s full support to Thailand for the upcoming BIMSTEC Summit to be held in September. Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud attended the meeting.

Myanmar Foreign Minister Than Swe has responded positively to the start of repatriation of the Rohingyas to their homeland- Myanmar. Myanmar's foreign minister expressed this positive approach during a bilateral meeting with Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud on the sidelines of BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers' Retreat in New Delhi, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday. Hasan reminded his Myanmar counterpart of their previous discussions and said that Myanmar has been saying for a long time that they are willing to take back the Rohingya citizens who have been forcibly displaced from their country and have taken shelter in Bangladesh. But no signs of its implementation has been observed yet, Hasan said during the meeting held on Thursday. He emphasised the issue by stating that only Myanmar can set a precedent to keep its promise when the repatriation process starts. BIMSTEC foreign ministers' retreat in Delhi sets stage for enhanced regional cooperation Myanmar's foreign minister responded positively and reiterated his country's intention to begin repatriation as soon as possible in consultation with his government, Hasan said. Bangladesh is now hosting over 1.3 million Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char. Meanwhile, on the last day of the retreat, the BIMSTEC foreign ministers had a courtesy call on Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi.

The World Food Programme (WFP) has activated anticipatory action measures as water levels in the Jamuna River approach critical levels. This proactive response aims to mitigate the impact of the impending floods on vulnerable communities, according to a WFP press releease on Friday. This is the biggest anticipatory action support provided by WFP so far. With the current significant increase in water levels at key points along the river, which already pose a severe threat to nearby communities, forecasts from the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) indicate that water levels continue to rise, potentially escalating into a severe crisis. In response to the Jamuna basin riverine floods, WFP and its partners, with the support of multiple donors including Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the Humanitarian Aid Department of the European Commission (ECHO), the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), and the Anticipatory Action (AA)-Trust fund supported by Germany and Ireland, the Bangladeshi Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, and the Ministry of Disaster Management and Response, successfully delivered the largest pre-financed humanitarian response ever. This response includes: • Delivery of Anticipatory Assistance: BDT 5,000 was provided to more than 81,000 households four days before the floods peaked. • Delivery of Anticipatory Shock Responsive Social Protection: Leveraging two national social protection systems (MCBP and EGPP), more than 8,100 government social protection assistance recipients living in flood-affected areas received aid before the floods peaked. This effectively protected the economic and nutritional gains from national social protection investments. Additionally, 1,000 households will receive emergency assistance through the mentioned social protection mechanism in the coming week. Furthermore, over 20,000 of the aforementioned households are covered by flood insurance. “We are deeply grateful for the support of our donors whose contributions are crucial in enabling us to act swiftly and effectively in the face of this looming disaster in coordination with the Government of Bangladesh,” said Dom Scalpelli, WFP Country Director in Bangladesh. “Our teams are working tirelessly to ensure that the most vulnerable families receive the support they need to weather this crisis.” Activating anticipatory action protocols is a critical component of WFP’s strategy to reduce the impact of natural disasters. By acting before floodwaters reach their peak, WFP aims to safeguard lives and livelihoods, prevent property loss, and reduce the need for long-term humanitarian aid. WFP’s efforts are focused on several districts along the Jamuna River, including Kurigram, Sirajganj, Gaibandha, Bogura, and Jamalpur. These areas have already experienced significant flooding, which has affected more than 5 million people and led to widespread displacement and shortages of food and clean water. Dom Scalpelli emphasized the importance of community resilience and preparedness in his statement: “Our anticipatory actions are designed not only to provide immediate relief but also to strengthen the resilience of communities against future floods. We are committed to working with local partners and authorities to ensure these efforts are sustainable and impactful.” As part of the anticipatory action plan, WFP coordinates with other UN agencies and local organizations to ensure a comprehensive and efficient response. The coming days will be critical as the organization continues to monitor the situation and adjust its operations accordingly. To sustain its response, WFP faces a funding gap of US$13.2 million and urges the donor communities to come forward to help the vulnerable communities.

Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud attended the second BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers' retreat hosted by his Indian counterpart, Dr S Jaishankar, in New Delhi on Thursday.  Jaishankar described the meeting as "productive" and thanked the foreign ministers for joining the meeting.  "Our conversation covered the whole gamut of BIMSTEC collaboration," Jaishankar said, adding that they discussed strengthening connectivity, institutional building, cooperation in trade and business, collaboration in health and space, digital public infrastructure, capacity building, and societal exchanges, as well as weighing on the merits of new mechanisms. He said they are confident that today’s deliberations will contribute to solid outcomes and practical collaborations at the forthcoming BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand.  Jaishankar said the retreat is meant to exchange ideas openly, candidly, and fruitfully.  "We all benefited from the last such exercise in Bangkok," he said.  This one now has particular importance as it serves to prepare strong outcomes for the summit to be held later in the year.  "Our message should be clear – that we are all determined to infuse new energies, new resources, and a new commitment into cooperation among the Bay of Bengal nations," Jaishankar said. The first edition of the BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers' Retreat was held in Bangkok, Thailand, on July 17, 2023. The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), brings together seven countries in South and Southeast Asia for multifaceted cooperation.

Bangladesh and China on Wednesday elevated their relations to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced this while meeting in Beijing, reports Xinhua. Bangladesh and China have always respected and supported each other, treated each other as equals and cooperated for win-win results since the establishment of diplomatic ties, setting an example of friendly exchanges and mutually beneficial cooperation between countries, especially among Global South countries, Xi said. China cherishes the profound friendship forged by the older generation of leaders of the two countries and is willing to take the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic ties next year as an opportunity to deepen high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, expand cooperation in various fields, and promote the steady and long-term development of China-Bangladesh comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, Xi added. He called on the two sides to promote the fine tradition of mutual support and deepen political mutual trust, noting that China supports Bangladesh in adhering to an independent foreign policy, pursuing a development path that suits its national conditions, safeguarding national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and opposing any external interference. China hopes to share experience on governance and development policies with Bangladesh, strengthen the synergy of development strategies and deepen cooperation in economy, trade, investment and connectivity, Xi said. More Chinese enterprises are encouraged to enhance industrial investment cooperation with Bangladesh to promote the integrated development of industrial and supply chains and help Bangladesh achieve national development, Xi noted. The two sides should make the China-Bangladesh Year of People-to-People and Cultural Exchanges next year a success and promote exchanges and cooperation in culture, tourism, media and sports, he added. China is ready to work with Bangladesh to enhance coordination on international and regional affairs, strengthen cooperation within multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations, uphold the common values of humanity, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, Xi said. Hasina said the Bangladeshi side admires China's great achievements in overcoming various difficulties and challenges and continuously improving people's living standards under the brilliant leadership of President Xi. Bangladesh is firmly committed to advancing the cause of national liberation, poverty reduction and development, and thanks China for its valuable support in this process, Hasina added. Bangladesh hopes to learn from China's successful development experience, expand cooperation in areas such as economy, trade, infrastructure and poverty alleviation, and strengthen people-to-people exchanges in youth and culture, she said, adding that the Belt and Road Initiative has greatly promoted economic development and improved people's livelihood in the region, and Bangladesh will continue to actively participate in the Belt and Road cooperation. Bangladesh firmly abides by the one-China principle, supports China's position on the Taiwan question, resolutely opposes external interference in China's internal affairs and firmly supports China in safeguarding its core interests, Hasina said. The comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between Bangladesh and China will surely achieve greater development, she added.

A 13-member delegation from Bangladesh is on a six-day visit to India from July 9 to 12, 2024, to assess the possibilities of transhipment of exim cargo from Bangladesh through Indian ports located on the East Coast. The delegation, led by Joint Secretary, Ministry of Shipping, Bangladesh, S M Mostafa Kamal, comprises representatives from other key ministries and ports of Bangladesh. The delegation’s visit to ports in Chennai, Krishnapatnam, Visakhapatnam, Kolkata, and Haldia - is in line with the agreed-upon minutes of the India-Bangladesh Shipping Secretaries Level Talks (SSLT) held in Dhaka in December last year. The objective of the Bangladeshi delegation’s visit is to gain first-hand knowledge of the technical feasibility, commercial viability, and infrastructure facilities at Indian ports to assess their potential for the transhipment of Bangladeshi cargo. Officials from the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), the Ministry of Ports and Shipping and Waterways, Director General of Shipping and Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs accompanied the visiting delegation. The delegation had a fruitful discussion with the chairmen of various Indian ports on the East Coast, viz., Chennai Port Authority, Krishnapatnam Port, Visakhapatnam Port Authority, Kolkata Dock under Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, and Haldia Dock Complex. The delegation discussed the possibility of starting river cruise services between Dhaka and Visakhapatnam. Director (Traffic), IWAI, Shri A K Bansal, informed the delegates that cruise service already exists on the IBP route and can further be extended on coastal routes from Bangladesh to Vishakhapatnam and other ports on the East Coast as the MoU and Protocol to the MOU for passengers and cruise on the Protocol and IBP route already exist. The probability of returning cargo from Bangladesh to Haldia/Kolkata using inland vessels on the IBP route was also discussed during the delegation’s visit to the IWAI Multi-Modal Terminal at Haldia in West Bengal. The Bangladeshi delegation identified several bottlenecks in Exim trade using Indian ports. In response, the Indian side agreed to provide comprehensive data analysis and comparisons, demonstrating the benefits for Bangladeshi exporters and importers of using Indian ports over existing transhipment ports like Colombo, Singapore, and Port Klang. The delegation had a positive experience and expressed hope for favourable outcomes. They requested comparative reports on cost, time, cargo, and facilities for Exim trade from Indian East Coast ports versus Colombo, Singapore, Port Klang, Chittagong, Mongla, and Pyra. The Indian side requested details on commodity profiles and destination ports to facilitate the move. The head of the Bangladeshi delegation assured that a stakeholders meeting would be held in Dhaka to review the data, analysis, and comparisons from India. A report will be submitted to the Ministry of Shipping, Bangladesh, and communicated to India through diplomatic channels. Both sides are optimistic about ushering in a new era of maritime connectivity between India and Bangladesh.

Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud has requested his Indian counterpart Dr. S. Jaishankar for ensuring smooth supply of essential commodities including onions to Bangladesh. He appreciated India’s support and cooperation in power and energy sectors and thanked the Government of India for its decision to facilitate the first trilateral power transaction from Nepal to Bangladesh, through the Indian grid. Dr Hasan had a bilateral meeting with Dr. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India, on the sideline of the 2nd BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers Retreat on  Thursday in New Delhi, India. Dr. Hasan, at the beginning of the meeting, congratulated his counterpart for being reappointed as the External Affairs Minister of India. India to help modernisation of city street light in Ctg Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister also discussed with his counterpart for sending a technical team for the conservation and management of the Teesta River. Dr. Hasan has sought India’s support in favour of Bangladesh’s bid for BRICS membership. The Foreign Minister invited his Indian counterpart to attend the next meeting of the Joint Consultative Commission (JCC) to be held in Bangladesh. JCC is a bilateral mechanism between Bangladesh and India which discusses the entire gamut of bilateral issues.  Hasan Mahmud to join  BIMSTEC FM-level meeting in New Delhi

French Ambassador to Bangladesh Marie Masdupuy on Thursday said France’s eagerness to enhance its relationship with Bangladesh is backed by the assumption that Bangladesh matters, that the fate and trajectory of the country do matter for the stability of this part of the world, at the heart of the Indo-Pacific region. Meloni's meeting with PM boosted ties, Italian foreign affairs official says “Many experts and journalists want to think it’s all for purely commercial reasons, and are eager to mention so-called ‘Airbus deals’ and other equivalent trade perspectives. Of course, they are wrong - and biased by our competitors (laughing),” she said while speaking at a reception, celebrating the French National Day at the Embassy. The ambassador said she was asked many times in the last months why would France wants to develop a strategic partnership with a country like Bangladesh, whereas it already has strong strategic partners in the region. Law Minister Anisul Huq spoke at the reception, highlighting the historic ties between the two countries and diverse areas of cooperation. Japanese vice-minister for foreign affairs visits Dhaka Community Medical College and Hospital site The envoy said France’s vision for a “Third Way” in the Indo-Pacific is based on respecting sovereignty and strategic autonomy of their partners. "Hence, our eagerness to support Bangladesh in acquiring its strategic autonomy as President Macron recalled it in his congratulation letter to PM last January," she said. Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs meets Hasan Mahmud in Kampala "But it’s a fact that our current world continues to be the theatre of unwelcomed developments. It can be very depressing by times. The increasing number of conflict zones, the rise of populism and illiberalism, all this goes also hand in hand with the surge in disinformation," said the French Ambassador. The Ambassador said they are resilient and they do share a common will to freshen up and reinvent the core values of democracy. The values of liberty, equality and fraternity were not invented by the French Revolution, but were brought together at that time as a mobilizing motto, said Ambassador Masdupuy. She said these three words are today an integral part of their national heritage. "On that day, every year, we celebrate the unity of our Nation in promoting the respect of those fundamental values of which we are proud. They symbolize France all around the world and constitute the DNA of the French Republic." The French envoy said the whole world today continues to suffer from theconsequences of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. France, with its allies all across the planet, continues to support the Ukrainian people and will continue to do so, whatever it takes, until Ukraine wins this war. Sadly, she said, another troubled region has been witnessing a horrendous conflict situation, even though it was never reallyin peace in the previous 80 years. "Our thoughts are of course with the sufferings of the Palestinian people, victim of the worse elements within their population (Hamas) and of the folly of a warmongering Israeli current leader," said Ambassador Masdupuy She said France has been advocating for the respect of international humanitarian law and for the imposition of a real cease-fire, only condition for peace talks to resume and result in the advent of aninternationally recognized Palestinian State, peacefully coexisting with the State of Israel. "Those conflict situations make it more difficult for all of us to efficiently craft solutions for damaged global goods, such as climate and the wealth of human beings," said the envoy. To fight against the impacts of climate change, France will continue to support ambitious goals and will strive to convince those countries and interest groups who didn’t yet admit there is no Planet B, said the French envoy. "With Bangladesh, we will adopt shortly an Adaptation Pact, a tribute to your country’s pioneering role in crafting locally ledadaptation solutions,' she said. The envoy expressed her special thanks for that to Environment Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury, as well as to the active members of the civil society who will be an integral part implementing the Pact. "And of course, allow me to seize this occasion to pay a special tribute to late Professor Saleemul Huq, without whom the concept of the Pact might not have been invented," said. Ambassador Masdupuy. In June next year, France will host a UN Ocean Conference, in Nice. "I look forward to the active participation of Bangladesh in it, to join hands for the conservation of the oceans. The depth of our relation is also a tribute to the impressive and successful efforts displayed by Bangladesh to build a resilient economy," said the envoy. She said they are pleased to see the growing interest of our companies in participating in this development path --- for instance in the ICT sector to support the initiatives taken by GoB and HSM Palak, who recently went to France for a fruitful official visit. The recent kick-off of France Bangladesh Business Club will support this renewed bond, which could already be witnessedwith the very successful joint Trade and Investment Summit held in France last October. About culture, she said, their culturalrelation is growing by day. "Our support to artists, on both sides, will be enhanced by a new scheme of residencies." Alliance Française in Dhaka will celebrate its 65th anniversary next October. "We are actively preparing the launch in France of cultural events focused on Bangladesh to start in the Spring of 2025," said Ambassador Masdupuy. Before concluding, the envoy underlined the values entrenched in Olympism. "France is proud to host what is going to be the most iconic Olympic Games ever. This has led us, here in Bangladesh, to discover your athletes and the importance of sports in building a more resilient, peaceful and modern society," said Ambassador Masdupuy. She invited all to watch a beautiful video on the giant LED screen in the garden. It combined official Olympic videos and a locally made video showcasing some of the Bangladeshi athletes who will compete soon in France.

Bangladesh and China have agreed to enhance cooperation in financial regulation, and encouraged increased use of local currency settlement in bilateral trade, according to a joint statement issued after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s three-day official visit to Beijing. Hasina returned home early hours of Thursday after talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Li Qiang. The Bangladesh side welcomes Chinese banks to establish branches in Bangladesh, and vice versa. Bangladesh and China agreed to strengthen coordination in international and multilateral affairs, and expressed readiness to further coordinate positions and build broader consensus in multilateral processes concerning international peace and security, sustainable development, human rights, humanitarian affairs, climate change, energy transition and environmental protection, to jointly safeguard the common interest of developing countries. China supports Bangladesh's plan to implement Southern Integrated Development Initiative: Joint Statement GDI, GSI, GCI The two sides discussed various aspects of the Global Development Initiative (GDI) put forward by President Xi Jinping. The Chinese side is ready to share experience on GDI issues with the Bangladesh side. The Chinese side also presented the Global Security Initiative (GSI) and the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) to the Bangladesh side to ensure peace, development and shared prosperity for all. PM Hasina paid an official visit to China from July 8 to 10 at the invitation of Premier Li. During the visit, Hasina had a meeting with Xi and met with Wang Huning, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. In a cordial and friendly atmosphere, the two sides had in-depth exchange of views on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of mutual interest, and reached extensive consensus. The Bangladesh side congratulated the Chinese side on the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, and applauded China’s historic achievements and transformation in economic and social development in the new era. Bangladesh lauded China’s efforts to build itself into a great modern socialist country in all respects and advance the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through the Chinese path to modernisation, and expressed sincere wish for China to realise the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation as scheduled. The Chinese side applauded the achievements of Bangladesh in economic and social development, and expressed continued support for Bangladesh’s graduation from the UN Least Developed Countries (LDC) status in 2026 as scheduled and Bangladesh’s steady progress toward realising its Vision 2041 of a “Smart Bangladesh.” The two sides applauded their strategic partnership of cooperation established in 2016, and agreed that the China-Bangladesh relationship has reached a new height. Leaders of the two countries agreed to stay committed to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, carry forward the long-standing friendship, foster greater synergy between development strategies of the two countries, advance the Belt and Road cooperation, and elevate the bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. The two sides decided to take the opportunity of celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-Bangladesh diplomatic relations in 2025 to plan together for the future development of bilateral ties and take the China-Bangladesh relationship to another new height. The two sides agreed that China and Bangladesh have been good neighbours and good friends since ancient times, sharing a millennium-old history of friendly exchanges. Over the past 49 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the traditional China-Bangladesh friendship forged by generations of leaders of both countries has grown from strength to strength. The two countries have always respected each other, treated each other as equals, and pursued mutual benefits. With ever deepening mutual trust, the two countries have achieved fruitful outcomes in their practical cooperation, and kept close collaboration in international and regional affairs, thus setting a fine example of friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation in relations between countries. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to mutual respect for each other’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and to mutual understanding and support on issues involving each other’s core interests and major concerns. The Chinese side firmly supports Bangladesh in maintaining peace and stability, realising development goals as envisioned under Vision 2041, non-interference in its internal affairs, and independently choosing a development path suited to its national conditions. The two sides stressed that the authority of the U.N. General Assembly Resolution 2758 is beyond question and brooks no challenge. Bangladesh reiterated its firm commitment to the one-China principle and its position that the government of the People’s Republic of China represents the whole of China, and Taiwan is part of China, and Bangladesh supports China on issues pertaining to China's core interests and China's efforts to safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Zero-tariff treatment to Bangladesh beyond 2026 China has expressed its support to continue the zero-tariff treatment on 98 per cent of taxable items to Bangladesh for a transitional period beyond 2026 when Bangladesh will graduate from LDC status. The Bangladesh side expressed its appreciation to China for granting zero-tariff treatment on 98 per cent of taxable items to Bangladesh, effective from 1 September 2022. The two sides agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, investment and finance, conclude the joint feasibility study on a Bangladesh-China free trade agreement, and launch formal negotiations as soon as possible. China has completed the entry procedures for Bangladesh’s fresh mango exports to China and welcomed Bangladesh to expand exports of jute, leather, aquatic products, and other high-quality special products to China. The two sides agreed to further strengthen communication on the export of high-quality Bangladeshi agricultural products to China. The two sides discussed future cooperation on trade facilitation, aid, and financing for projects or programmes. The two sides agreed to launch negotiations on upgrading the China-Bangladesh Investment Agreement as soon as possible. The Bangladesh side welcomed more investment from Chinese enterprises in Bangladesh in such areas as economic and industrial parks, oil and gas exploration, new energy, water resources and sewage management, garment and other manufacturing sectors, reiterates Bangladesh’s commitments to protecting the security and legitimate rights and interests of all foreign investments including the Chinese projects and personnel in Bangladesh. The two sides agreed to deepen cooperation in infrastructure and construction projects, including through the PPP model. The Chinese side expressed its readiness to support and participate in building “Smart Bangladesh,” promote cooperation between digital and ICT think tanks of the two countries, and explore the joint establishment of a digital innovation lab to carry out digital capacity building. The two sides agreed to strengthen investment cooperation in the field of digital economy. The Chinese side will support bilateral exchanges on digital economy industries, encourage Chinese software companies to empower Bangladesh’s digital infrastructure development, and explore the establishment of a China-Bangladesh innovation cooperation mechanism in cloud computing, to promote the development of Bangladesh’s digital and ICT industries. The Chinese side expressed its readiness to carry out cooperation on the “international port for the information industry and digital trade” to promote the digitization of bilateral trade. The Bangladesh side applauded and expressed thanks for these initiatives. The two sides agreed to step up maritime and blue economy cooperation in areas of marine observation, disaster prevention and mitigation, the Ocean to Climate Seamless Forecasting System (OSF) and the Marine Hazards Early Warning and Mitigation System, with a view to enhancing marine sustainability and resilience of Bangladesh. China will assist Bangladesh to cultivate more talents in marine affairs. The two sides agreed to hold the second round of maritime cooperation dialogue at an early date. On defence cooperation, the two sides agreed to strengthen more exchanges at all levels and between various armed forces and departments and deepen practical cooperation in defence. Both sides agreed to maintain their mutual understanding and engagement on UN peacekeeping and peace building issues. The two sides share the view that the promotion and protection of human rights is a common cause of all humanity, and the rights to subsistence and development are basic human rights of paramount importance. The two sides support exchanges and cooperation on human rights among all countries on the basis of equality and mutual respect, advocate the common values of humanity, oppose politicization of human rights, and remain committed to jointly promoting sound progress in all aspects of the international human rights agenda. Southern Integrated Development Initiative China has supported the Bangladesh's plan to implement the Southern Integrated Development Initiatives (SIDI) under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative to help this region achieve balanced and sustainable development. Chinese enterprises will be encouraged to take an active part in the construction of subways, metro rail and roads, oil and gas exploration, hospitals and water resources and sewage management projects in Bangladesh in a proper way. Bangladesh and China will accelerate existing cooperation projects, continue to expand areas of cooperation, and work toward more fruitful outcomes in practical cooperation between the two countries. The two sides agreed to advance projects such as the Burn Unit in Chattogram Medical College Hospital, the No. 6 Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge Renovation, the No. 9 Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge and the National Emergency Operation Center in Bangladesh. The Chinese side expressed readiness to continue providing assistance to Bangladesh to the best of its capacity and positively consider the possibility of building hospitals and bridges and renovating convention centers to support the economic and social development of Bangladesh. The Chinese side will continue to provide support for training programmes on human resources development of Bangladesh under the framework of “China Aid.”. The Bangladesh side expressed appreciation for China’s support for Bangladesh’s economic and social development, and applauded the important role played by the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in promoting the socio-economic development of the people of Bangladesh. The Chinese side commended Bangladesh for being the first country in South Asia to join and take part in the BRI. The two sides agreed to step up experience sharing on development planning and economic development policies, and further deepen high-quality Belt and Road cooperation under the principle of planning together, building together and benefiting together. The two sides recognised the completion of the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel under Karnaphuli river, the Modernisation of Telecommunication Network Project, Development of ICT Infra-Network for Bangladesh Government Phase-III (Info-Sarker 3) and the Single Point Mooring (SPM) with Double Pipeline Project, and expressed satisfaction with the progress in major bilateral cooperation projects, such as the Padma Bridge Rail Link Project, the Project of Expansion and Strengthening of Power System Network under DPDC Area, the Power Grid Network Strengthening Project under PGCB, the Dhaka-Ashulia Elevated Expressway and the Rajshahi Surface Water Treatment Plant Project. Bhutanese King's visit a testament of close ties of friendship and goodwill between Bangladesh, Bhutan: Joint Statement The two sides agreed to push forward projects such as Expansion of Teletalk’s 4G Mobile Broadband Network up to Union Level, Procurement of New Vessels, Water Supply, Sanitation, Drainage, Solid Waste and Faecal Sludge Management for Small Size Pourashavas (Municipalities) in Bangladesh, and Sewage Collection System under Dasherkandi STP Catchment of Dhaka City.  

China has expressed its support to continue the zero-tariff treatment on 98 per cent of taxable items to Bangladesh for a transitional period beyond 2026 when Bangladesh will graduate from LDC status. The Bangladesh side expressed its appreciation to China for granting zero-tariff treatment on 98 per cent of taxable items to Bangladesh, effective from 1 September 2022. The two sides agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, investment and finance, conclude the joint feasibility study on a Bangladesh-China free trade agreement, and launch formal negotiations as soon as possible, according to a joint statement issued after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s three-day official visit to Beijing. Hasina returned home early hours of Thursday after talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Li Qiang. China has completed the entry procedures for Bangladesh’s fresh mango exports to China and welcomed Bangladesh to expand exports of jute, leather, aquatic products, and other high-quality special products to China. The two sides agreed to further strengthen communication on the export of high-quality Bangladeshi agricultural products to China. The two sides discussed future cooperation on trade facilitation, aid, and financing for projects or programmes. The two sides agreed to launch negotiations on upgrading the China-Bangladesh Investment Agreement as soon as possible. The Bangladesh side welcomed more investment from Chinese enterprises in Bangladesh in such areas as economic and industrial parks, oil and gas exploration, new energy, water resources and sewage management, garment and other manufacturing sectors, reiterates Bangladesh’s commitments to protecting the security and legitimate rights and interests of all foreign investments including the Chinese projects and personnel in Bangladesh. The two sides agreed to deepen cooperation in infrastructure and construction projects, including through the PPP model. The Chinese side expressed its readiness to support and participate in building “Smart Bangladesh,” promote cooperation between digital and ICT think tanks of the two countries, and explore the joint establishment of a digital innovation lab to carry out digital capacity building. The two sides agreed to strengthen investment cooperation in the field of digital economy. The Chinese side will support bilateral exchanges on digital economy industries, encourage Chinese software companies to empower Bangladesh’s digital infrastructure development, and explore the establishment of a China-Bangladesh innovation cooperation mechanism in cloud computing, to promote the development of Bangladesh’s digital and ICT industries. The Chinese side expressed its readiness to carry out cooperation on the “international port for the information industry and digital trade” to promote the digitization of bilateral trade. The Bangladesh side applauded and expressed thanks for these initiatives. The two sides agreed to step up maritime and blue economy cooperation in areas of marine observation, disaster prevention and mitigation, the Ocean to Climate Seamless Forecasting System (OSF) and the Marine Hazards Early Warning and Mitigation System, with a view to enhancing marine sustainability and resilience of Bangladesh. China will assist Bangladesh to cultivate more talents in marine affairs. The two sides agreed to hold the second round of maritime cooperation dialogue at an early date. On defence cooperation, the two sides agreed to strengthen more exchanges at all levels and between various armed forces and departments and deepen practical cooperation in defence. Both sides agreed to maintain their mutual understanding and engagement on UN peacekeeping and peace building issues. The two sides share the view that the promotion and protection of human rights is a common cause of all humanity, and the rights to subsistence and development are basic human rights of paramount importance. The two sides support exchanges and cooperation on human rights among all countries on the basis of equality and mutual respect, advocate the common values of humanity, oppose politicization of human rights, and remain committed to jointly promoting sound progress in all aspects of the international human rights agenda.