Staff Reporter :
Obaidul Quader, Awami League General Secretary and Minister of Road Transport and Bridges, emphasised the importance of Bangladesh’s partnership with China in fostering development.
He said these at an event held at Bailey Road in the capital on Saturday.
In the event Quader said, “India is our political friend, and China is our development friend.”
Quader highlighted Bangladesh’s foreign policy of “friendship to all, malice towards none,” a principle originally articulated by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and continued by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s administration.
He underscored the historical bond with India, recalling the country’s support during Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War. “India is our tested friend from 1971. Our relationship is tied to the bloodshed during the war,” he stated, recounting the aid provided by Indian soldiers, the exchange of enclaves, and the resolution of maritime boundaries.
Addressing unresolved issues with India Quader expressed confidence that Bangladesh’s amicable relations with India would facilitate discussions and solutions to unresolved issues.
He refuted the opposition’s criticism of the 25-year friendship treaty with India as a “slavery pact,” questioning, “What Bangladesh gained from this? Did we return empty-handed before? We haven’t returned empty-handed this time either.”
Regarding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to China, Quader highlighted the significant developmental projects supported by Chinese investment. He stated, “We have a developmental partnership with China. The only tunnel in South Asia, the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel in Chattogram, was built by China.
The Dhaka-Chattogram four-lane highway was constructed by Sinohydro. China also contributed to the Padma Bridge.”
Quader acknowledged Japan’s assistance in the construction of the metro rail, stating, “Why shouldn’t we take opportunities that benefit our development? Where help is needed, we will accept it. Some may be envious, but we cannot ignore these advancements.”
In response to the BNP’s claims that the Prime Minister is going to China with a “begging bowl,” Quader retorted, “We do not go with a begging bowl. Former BNP Finance Minister Saifur Rahman once questioned the need for so much money, suggesting that spending locally would prevent foreign funds.
It was the BNP’s finance ministers who repeatedly appeared at the Paris Consortium with begging bowls. Their grandstanding is hypocritical.”
Criticising the BNP, Quader concluded, “Who bows down? Those without a backbone do. The Awami League, the party of Bangabandhu, and his daughter Sheikh Hasina, will never bow down.”