Dhaka: BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced today that China is keen to work closely with an elected government in Bangladesh. He made these remarks during a press conference at BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, following a five-day visit to China by a BNP delegation.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the visit was marked by discussions on various bilateral issues, including the Rohingya crisis, infrastructure development, and the Belt and Road Initiative. Fakhrul emphasized China’s desire for the elected government to operate with determination and sincerity. He highlighted the BNP’s unwavering support for the one-China policy, a stance that has long been a cornerstone of the party’s foreign policy.
Fakhrul further elaborated on China’s interest in helping Bangladesh return to a democratic process, stating that the Chinese government expressed its positive outlook on the matter. The issue of Rohingya repatriation was also a significant topic, with the BNP urging China to facilitate the safe return of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar. Fakhrul noted that China is actively engaging with the Myanmar government to expedite this process.
During the visit, the BNP delegation held meetings with key figures from the Communist Party of China (CPC), including Li Hongsong and Liu Jianchao. They discussed potential collaborative projects in various sectors like digital technology, renewable energy, and infrastructure development. The delegation also visited several locations, including BYD, a leading electric vehicle manufacturer, and Jiangtong University.
Fakhrul reiterated BNP’s commitment to the one-China policy, citing the removal of a Taiwanese trade center in Dhaka as evidence of their steadfast approach. He also mentioned positive discussions on the Teesta project, expressing hope for future cooperation if BNP returns to power.
The visit underscored the BNP’s call for stronger ties with China, particularly in areas such as technology transfer, cultural exchange, and economic development. The meetings concluded with an invitation for BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman to visit China and discussions on a potential two-year political Memorandum of Understanding.
Fakhrul expressed gratitude to the Communist Party of China and the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka for their support in organizing the visit. The press conference was attended by BNP Standing Committee Members and other party officials, who echoed the sentiments of strengthening Bangladesh-China relations.