‘Bangladesh-China ties enter a new chapter’

Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan said that Bangladesh-China relations have entered a new chapter following Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s recent visit to China.

Addressing a reception marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China at a city hotel on Wednesday, Moyeen Khan said the Prime Minister’s visit had created new momentum in bilateral relations and elevated them towards a “China-Bangladesh community with a shared future in the new era”.

“The warmth of the welcome that China accorded to our Prime Minister and delegation, the substantive discussions that were held in China, and the forward-looking proposals that emerged out of these discussions … were a milestone in our bilateral relationship,” he said as the Chief Guest.

The minister said Bangladesh regarded China as “one of our closest allies”, with bilateral cooperation extending across trade, investment, infrastructure, energy, industry and culture.

Moyeen Khan said Bangladesh was keen to learn from China’s experience in infrastructure development, technological innovation and large-scale digitalisation.

“At the same time, we believe that government-to-government cooperation may not be enough,” he said, calling for greater people-to-people contacts involving political leaders, scholars, students, small traders, journalists and other professionals.

The minister also praised China’s development over the past 77 years, saying its transformation was “one of the most striking examples of development in our modern history”.

Having personally witnessed China’s transformation over more than three decades, he said Bangladesh had taken note of China’s emphasis on improving the livelihoods of disadvantaged sections of society.

“Bangladesh remains eager to learn from China’s experience,” he said, while noting that Bangladesh and China had different political philosophies.

“I’d like to mention a sentence from our holy scripture where it was said: ‘Please go as far as China if you want to acquire knowledge.’ I believe in that,” he said.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen said the two countries were entering a new stage in their relationship, describing the ties as being “at their best in history”.

He said 2026 marked both the 51st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Bangladesh and the 10th anniversary of their Belt and Road cooperation.

“This year, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman paid his first visit to China, during which the two countries elevated bilateral relations to a China-Bangladesh community with a shared future in the new era, injecting strong impetus into the long-term development of bilateral ties,” Yao said.

“China-Bangladesh relations are now at their best in history. The China-Bangladesh friendship serves the fundamental interests of both countries and both peoples and conforms to the trend of the times; no storm can hold back the forward march of our relations.” he added.

Yao said China supported Bangladesh in safeguarding its national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and in playing a greater role in regional and international affairs.

“Over the past three years, I have witnessed the rapid transformation of this land. Wherever I went, the warm greetings and sincere smiles made me feel the heartfelt friendship of the Bangladeshi people toward the Chinese people,” he said.

Looking back on his tenure, Yao said he had witnessed Bangladesh’s political transformation and the choices made by its people at a critical juncture.

“I hold deep admiration for the remarkable resilience and national dignity demonstrated by the Bangladeshi people,” he said.

The ambassador also spoke warmly of his interactions with Bangladeshi people during his tenure, particularly young people, saying their optimism and drive had left a strong impression on him.

“I firmly believe that the future of China-Bangladesh relations will be ever brighter and the road of our friendly cooperation ever wider,” Yao said.

The reception was attended by Home Minister Salauddin Ahmed, BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi and other political leaders, diplomats, government and private-sector officials, business representatives, journalists and people from various professions.