China willing to strengthen ties with Bangladesh’s future elected govt: Fakhrul
NN Online:
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday said China has expressed a strong interest in enhancing its relationship with Bangladesh’s next elected government.
“China has conveyed its desire to work with the future elected government of Bangladesh with even greater sincerity, commitment, and goodwill,” Fakhrul stated at a press briefing held at BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s Gulshan office.
The remarks came following a five-day visit to China by a high-level BNP delegation led by Fakhrul himself.
During the visit, the delegation discussed various bilateral matters, including the Teesta River management project. “We clearly communicated our priorities regarding the Teesta project, and the Chinese authorities responded positively,” said Fakhrul, adding that China is still working on the project.
“If they propose it once we’re entrusted with running the government, we will evaluate and consider it positively,” he added.
The BNP team also raised the Rohingya repatriation issue, urging China to play a more effective role in facilitating the safe, voluntary, and dignified return of refugees to Myanmar’s Rakhine State.
Fakhrul said the Chinese leadership assured the delegation of their sincere efforts to persuade Myanmar to ensure a prompt repatriation process.
He described the visit as a gateway to deeper engagement between the two nations. “This trip has opened up new opportunities to strengthen the brotherly relationship between Bangladesh and China,” he noted.
The BNP delegation’s visit to China took place from June 22 at the invitation of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Alongside Fakhrul, the nine-member delegation included BNP Standing Committee members Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, and Begum Selima Rahman; Chairperson’s Advisers Zahir Uddin Swapan, Ismail Zabiullah, and Professor Sukomal Barua; BNP media cell convener Dr Moudud Hossain Alamgir Pavel; and BNP Chairperson’s Personal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar.
Throughout the visit, the delegation held discussions with top CPC leaders on strengthening bilateral relations and fostering stronger party-to-party ties between the CPC and BNP.
