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Thursday | October 01, 2026 | Dhaka

President urges China to back Teesta project, Rohingya return

 Staff Reporter
 Published: 12:01 AM, 01 October 2026  Updated: 11:37 PM, 30 September 2026
Outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen pays a farewell courtesy call on President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at Bangabhaban in the capital on Wednesday.

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday urged China to increase investment in Bangladesh and strengthen cooperation to create conditions for the safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation of the Rohingyas.

The President made the call when outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen paid a farewell courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban in the morning.

President’s Press Secretary Md Sarwar Alam briefed the media after the meeting.

The President praised China’s constructive role in addressing the Rohingya crisis, saying Chinese initiatives could contribute to resolving the crisis and ensuring sustainable repatriation. He also sought increased Chinese cooperation and investment in ready-made garments, electric vehicles, light engineering, high-tech electronics, semiconductors and solar energy.

Welcoming regional connectivity initiatives, including the Kunming-Chattogram corridor and the China-Myanmar-Bangladesh Economic Corridor, Fakhrul said Bangladesh was ready to work with China and relevant partners for mutual interests.

He highlighted the modernisation and expansion of Mongla Port and establishment of the China Economic and Industrial Zone as important initiatives for connectivity, industrialisation and economic development.

The President urged China to continue its technical and financial assistance for the Teesta River Integrated Management and Restoration Project and called for discussions on its implementation to be taken forward.

Recalling Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman’s visits to China in 1977 and 1980, as well as his own visit to China in April this year, Fakhrul said the visits and meetings had further deepened and strengthened bilateral relations.

He described China as a trusted friend and strategic partner of Bangladesh and expressed hope that bilateral ties would become stronger and more consolidated.

The President also expressed gratitude to China for constructing and financing the 1,000-bed Bangladesh-China Friendship General Hospital.

He sought Chinese expertise and technological cooperation in treating blood cancer at the Combined Military Hospital, which is open to the public. The Chinese ambassador assured cooperation in this regard.

Fakhrul praised Yao Wen’s contribution to strengthening Bangladesh-China relations and wished him success in his future endeavours.

“Bangladesh would remember, with gratitude, his contribution to the development of Bangladesh-China relations,” the President said.

The President’s Military Secretary, Secretary, Press Secretary and an Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were present at the meeting.

Deputy Chief of Mission Dr Liu Yuyin accompanied Ambassador Yao Wen.