China won’t interfere in Bangladesh’s polls: Chinese Envoy

Staff Reporter :
The Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, has reiterated that his country would not interfere in the internal issues here, including the elections.

“I’ve already emphasised firmly that China will never intervene in the internal affairs of any country.

China opposes interference in the internal affairs of any nation.

Our stance on the election in Bangladesh being an internal matter remains unchanged,” he said on Wednesday.

Right after holding a meeting with State Minister for Shipping Khaled Mahmud in the Secretariat, the Chinese envoy responded to the questions of the journalists whether both of them talked about the general election of Bangladesh.

A week earlier, Yao Wen also said that, China would not intervene in the internal issues of Bangladesh, including the elections, the people of Bangladesh would decide who would come to power in the next election.

When China is mum to talk about the free and fair election of Bangladesh, the Western countries particularly the United States are voicing for transparent and credible elections and they do not want to see parliamentary elections like 2014 and 2018, which were marred by the allegations of widespread fraudulence and rigging.

The US, however, stated that the talking of free and fair election is not the interference in the internal affairs of Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, the Chinese Ambassador also told the journalists that they have talked about the development of Mongla port and other development works in which China has huge interest to work.

“We have discussed the development of Mongla Port.

We have had discussions on how this port and the Padma Bridge can be utilised.

We have the opportunity to contribute to the development in the western part of Bangladesh.

In this regard, China wishes to work together with Bangladesh.

I am here to convey a message about future preparation,” Chinese Ambassador mentioned.

Regarding the China’s assistance for the development of Mongla Port, he further said, “China will aid Bangladesh in its efforts.

In electric vessel production, we are the world’s largest.

That’s why we won’t hesitate to establish thermal power and battery plants in Mongla Port. In the fields of IT, solar energy, and agricultural processing, China can also support Bangladesh.”

Mentioning the fruit potentials, he said, “A substantial amount of fruit is produced in Bangladesh.

China can assist in establishing fruit processing industries. Hence, we are envisioning a lot for Mongla Port.

Discussions have taken place with the Prime Minister on these matters.”

Reports have surfaced in the media that Chinese investments have decreased.

When asked about any discussions regarding this matter, State Minister of Shipping responded, “Whether Chinese investments have decreased or increased is not a major concern.

The important question is whether our projects are running properly.”

“We are observing that in places where Chinese investments exist, the projects are progressing smoothly.

Despite the global crisis, our government is moving forward with development in all sectors,” he added.