Dhaka: Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen today expressed his hope that Chinese modernization could offer some reference for Bangladesh as the nation stands at this ‘crucial crossroads of transformations.’ ‘Modernization is a common task for the Global South. In a matter of decades, China has accomplished what took Western nations centuries,’ he remarked.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Ambassador Yao was speaking at the “China-Bangladesh Readers Forum on Xi Jinping: The Governance of China” held at a city hotel this afternoon. He emphasized that China’s practice offers fresh perspectives and inspires developing nations to pursue their own modernization pathways. The envoy highlighted China’s achievements of rapid economic growth and sustained social stability, challenging the notion that modernization is synonymous with Westernization.
Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, who recently accompanied Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on a visit to China, served as the chief guest at the event. He underscored the growing relationship between China and Bangladesh in key areas. Other notable speakers included BNP Standing Committee Member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, President of the China International Communications Group (CICG) Du Zhanyuan, and deputy Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Dr Syed Abdullah Mohammed Taher.
The forum, jointly organized by both countries, focused on the Bengali edition of “Xi Jinping: The Governance of China” (volume one), marking a significant aspect of experience sharing on state governance. Ambassador Yao noted that this event is one of the most important initiatives of the Bangladesh-China year of people-to-people exchanges.
The envoy explained that China’s neighborhood diplomacy is founded on the principles of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness. “Xi Jinping: The Governance of China” comprises important works by Chinese President Xi Jinping from 2012 to 2022, published in four volumes with versions in 42 languages, reaching over 180 countries. Ambassador Yao highlighted its global reach and influence, stating that it is a preferred resource for countries to observe and study China.
He further mentioned that the book has gained global recognition and is featured in nearly 1,700 major libraries worldwide. “Government leaders and policymakers across continents have actively studied and added it to their collections,” he added, suggesting that those seeking to understand China’s success will find answers in its pages.
The ambassador expressed hope that this work will serve as a window for Bangladeshi readers to understand contemporary China. “Lots of Bangladeshi friends used to ask me how could China lift nearly 100 million people out of poverty. And I told them that you may find the answers in this book,” he said. He credited China’s remarkable socioeconomic transformation to great theoretical guidance and hoped that through this work, Bangladeshi friends will gain deeper insights into China’s development path, governance philosophy, and guiding principles.
“This work provides useful reference for Bangladesh on its way to modernization,” he concluded, describing it as a new platform for engaging and learning from each other.