BNP seeks closer ties with China

LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said on Saturday that the ruling BNP wants to further deepen its geopolitical, economic and commercial relations with China, describing the recent China visit by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman as a milestone that had reinforced ties between the two countries.

Fakhrul, who is also BNP Secretary General, was speaking at a discussion titled “Long Live Bangladesh-China Friendship,” organised by the Bangladesh-China Friendship Association at a city hotel following the prime minister’s visit to Beijing.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon and State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat attended the event, while Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen was present as guest of honour.

Advocate Nazmul Haque Nannu, president of the Bangladesh-China Friendship Association and adviser to the BNP chairman, chaired the programme.

Fakhrul said Tarique Rahman’s visit had given fresh momentum to bilateral relations, noting that Bangladeshi youths were increasingly travelling to China and building professional and personal connections there.

He pointed to the BNP’s long-standing engagement with the Communist Party of China, saying that channel of communication had been maintained even during what he called the “fascist” Awami League era.

He said the BNP’s China policy is rooted in geopolitical interest, while stressing that the party is equally committed to sustaining economic and political ties with India and the United States.

Describing bilateral relations as being “at a very high level,” Fakhrul said Bangladesh is seeking Chinese technological assistance, including support for technical and vocational training for Bangladeshi youth.

He added that Bangladesh stood to benefit from expanded Chinese support in road and infrastructure development, as well as in solar and green energy projects.

Fakhrul struck an optimistic note on the trade relationship, saying the BNP shares certain ideological affinities with China and that two-way trade between the countries would continue to grow, with Bangladesh both importing from and exporting to China.

He also described China’s leadership as a counterweight to global hegemony.

In his remarks, Ambassador Yao Wen said China is interested in introducing high-speed rail technology in Bangladesh, suggesting it could eventually link Chattogram, Dhaka and Sylhet.

He also pledged China’s full cooperation on the repatriation of Rohingya refugees and said Tarique Rahman’s visit had opened a new chapter in bilateral relations.