A high-level delegation of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by party Secretary General and Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, held separate bilateral meetings on Tuesday with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng and International Department of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Minister Liu Jianchao.
The meetings took place at the Great Hall of the People and the IDCPC building respectively in Beijing, according to a BNP statement.
Both sides held constructive discussions on various aspects of Bangladesh-China bilateral relations and emphasised further strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
The two sides expressed strong optimism about elevating the friendship in bilateral relations – initiated by martyred President Ziaur Rahman and later developed under the leadership of late Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia – to new heights under the leadership of current Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
The “Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership” in Bangladesh-China relations was noted as a reflection of deep trust and multidimensional cooperation between the two countries.
Both sides agreed to work towards signing a memorandum of understanding aimed at developing relations between the CCP and BNP, facilitating bilateral visits, and ensuring regular institutional exchanges.
Fakhrul said the current government has formulated Bangladesh’s international and foreign policy by giving highest priority to national interest, sovereignty, security, and public welfare, keeping the ‘Bangladesh First’ policy at the forefront.
He also reiterated Bangladesh’s firm support for the One-China policy.
Regarding the Rohingya crisis, Fakhrul said China’s continued support is extremely important in addressing this humanitarian challenge, and he emphasised Beijing’s constructive role in ensuring a safe, dignified, sustainable, and voluntary repatriation of the Rohingya.
The BNP secretary general also said China’s goodwill and partnership in the integrated management project of the Teesta River – linked to the livelihoods of northern Bangladesh – is extremely important.
Fakhrul expressed Bangladesh’s interest in learning from China’s successes in modern urban management, waste management, advanced water purification technology, and rural development.
He also emphasised cooperation in renewable energy, green energy, electric vehicles, and light and medium industries including batteries.
Regarding the proposed Bangladesh-China Friendship Hospital, he said China’s continued support is expected in robotic surgery, modern medical technology, vaccination programmes, and improving the public health system.
Both Chinese Vice President Han Zheng and CCP International Department Minister Liu Jianchao referred to Bangladesh as an important neighbour and partner, expressing determination to further deepen relations based on mutual respect, trust, and cooperation.
They assured continued cooperation with Bangladesh in various fields and emphasised joint progress through exchange of mutual experiences.
The 21-member BNP delegation included, among others, former minister and BNP Vice Chairman Air Vice Marshal (retd.) Altaf Hossain Chowdhury MP, Vice Chairmen Mohammad Shamsuzzaman Dudu and SM Asaduzzaman Ripon, Joint Secretary Generals Khairul Kabir Khokon MP and Habib Un Nabi Khan Sohel, and several other party leaders and lawmakers.
