Bangladesh for ‘belt and road’ connectivity via Myanmar

Staff Reporter :

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain has emphasised the importance of establishing seamless connectivity between Bangladesh and China through Myanmar, citing the mutual benefits such an initiative would bring.

“We need seamless connectivity between Bangladesh and China, and the most viable route passes through Myanmar,” Touhid stated during the inauguration of the International Conference on ‘China-South Asia Civilisation and Connectivity: History and Contemporary Issues’ at North South University (NSU) in Dhaka on Friday.

He highlighted the necessity of a stable Myanmar and the sustainable repatriation of Rohingya refugees to the Rakhine State.

“We hope for the return of a peaceful and stable Myanmar, including the repatriation of the Rohingyas to the Rakhine State with rights and security, so that this connectivity can be established to ensure the mutual benefit of our people,” he added.

Touhid underscored Bangladesh’s strategic location and its economic potential, reiterating the country’s commitment to fostering connectivity that benefits all stakeholders.

“This would drive economic growth, reduce poverty, and enhance cultural exchanges,” he said.

He also highlighted the growing importance of regional connectivity in addressing global challenges such as climate change and economic uncertainty.

“In this era of global challenges, it is imperative that we work together with China, not just as strategic partners but as friends,” he remarked.

Referring to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), he described Bangladesh as a key partner, stating that the initiative embodies the spirit of shared prosperity.

“The development of infrastructure, trade corridors, and people-to-people exchanges under this initiative aligns seamlessly with aspirations for sustainable development and regional integration,” he observed.

Touhid elaborated on the evolving Bangladesh-China relationship, which has recently advanced to a ‘Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership’.

“This new partnership is built on the foundations of trust, mutual respect, and a shared vision of a brighter future,” he said.

However, he acknowledged the need to address contemporary challenges such as geopolitical tensions, climate change, and economic disparities through collective action.

“As responsible neighbours, China and South Asian nations must work together to ensure peace, stability, and development in the region,” he emphasised.

Touhid also noted the transformative spirit within Bangladesh, highlighting the recent mass mobilisation led by the country’s youth.

“This renewed sense of purpose, what we refer to as the spirit of a ‘New Bangladesh’, is a commitment to building a more inclusive, equitable, and innovative society while redefining our role on the global stage,” he said.

The seminar was jointly organised by the China-South Asia Centre for Sociocultural Studies (CSCSS) of NSU and Yunnan University, China.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen and NSU Vice-Chancellor Prof Abdul Hannan Chowdhury also addressed the opening ceremony.