Diplomatic Correspondent :
Dhaka aims to strengthen cooperation with Beijing in military and green energy sectors to elevate bilateral relations. Additionally, it looks forward to China’s active involvement in the repatriation of Rohingyas who have been in Bangladesh for over six years.
At a seminar titled “Bangladesh-China Relations: A Future Outlook,” organised by the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) in collaboration with the Centre for China Studies (SIIS-DU) on Monday, Md. Touhid Hossain, Adviser for Foreign Affairs, emphasised these priorities.
In his keynote speech, Hossain expressed Bangladesh’s eagerness for new Chinese investments, particularly in green energy, ICT, and military cooperation. He highlighted the importance of infrastructure development and green energy initiatives and welcomed further collaboration in these areas.
He stressed that China’s support in the ICT sector could significantly boost Bangladesh’s economic growth. On the Rohingya issue, Hossain urged China to play a proactive role in ensuring the repatriation of the displaced population with dignity and security, emphasizing that repatriation remains the only sustainable solution to the crisis.
He also called for increased Bangladeshi exports to China.
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, in his keynote, reflected on the progress in bilateral relations over the past 49 years, emphasizing mutual respect, equality, and cooperation for the benefit of both nations.
Yao stated that China would maintain high-level exchanges, foster cooperation across political and developmental fronts, and encourage Chinese enterprises to enhance industrial investments in Bangladesh. He noted that since the formation of the interim government, Chinese enterprises had already invested over $85 million, and China plans to provide $150 million in grants for joint livelihood projects.
Yao added that the two countries are committed to promoting industrial and supply chain integration and exploring measures to implement the “three zeros” concept.
On the Rohingya crisis, the ambassador affirmed China’s willingness to assist Bangladesh and support its engagement with BRICS and ASEAN. He also emphasized closer cooperation between the two nations in multilateral frameworks, including the UN, and contributing to a shared global future.
Yao encouraged academic research to support Bangladesh-China cooperation, highlighting its importance for bilateral development.
Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya, Chair of the Committee on White Paper on the State of Bangladesh’s Economy, urged Chinese companies to invest in the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ) in Bangladesh, noting its importance for the Karnaphuli Tunnel’s economic viability.
The seminar’s inaugural session was presided over by BIISS Chairman Ambassador AFM Gousal Azam Sarker, with a welcome address by Director General Major General Iftekhar Anis. Special remarks were made by SIIS Professor Dr. Yang Jiemian, and Dr. Bhattacharya attended as a special guest.
