China won’t meddle in BD elections : Envoy

Staff Reporter :
The Chinese Ambassador affirmed that China would distance itself from the intervention in the internal affairs of Bangladesh including the upcoming elections slated for January 2024.
“Chinese policy is always the same. We never intervene in the internal issues of other counties. Election is the internal affair of Bangladesh,” Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen told journalists on Wednesday after holding a meeting with Planning Minister Abdul Mannan at the Planning Ministry in the capital.
He further said that China is a time-tested friend of Bangladesh and China would extend its all-out cooperation for the development of accelerating bilateral relations.
The envoy also stated that China would provide duty-free and quota-free facilities for Bangladesh when the country will turn towards a developing nation after 2026.
The Chinese Ambassador also stated that China will also assist in the infrastructural development in the southwestern region of the country after the completion of the Padma Bridge.
Regarding the meeting, Abdul Mannan said that China is keen to invest in the infrastructural development in the western zone of Bangladesh.
“China has implemented 28 five-year plans and Bangladesh is implementing only its 8th five-year plan,” he said.
The minister highlighted China’s keen interest in making investments in the solar power and electric vehicle industries within Bangladesh.
“With the completion of the Padma Bridge, the potential for significant development in the southwestern region of the country becomes more promising. This, in turn, is expected to attract Chinese investors to these sectors,” he emphasized.
“We conveyed to the Chinese envoy our profound regard for China as an invaluable friend. We have previously received substantial support from China and continue to do so. We look forward to continued assistance in the future,” the minister said.
Mannan also expressed his optimism that China will generously extend its support to Bangladesh by providing an increased range of duty-free and quota-free privileges.
During the meeting, a range of topics were discussed, encompassing development initiatives, trade, and investment opportunities, according to sources.