President urges China to boost investment, help in dignified Rohingya return

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday urged China to scale up investment in Bangladesh and deepen cooperation to ensure a safe, dignified, and sustainable repatriation of the Rohingyas to their homeland.

The call came when outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen paid a farewell courtesy call on the President at Bangabhaban, according to a press release.

During the meeting, the President praised Beijing’s constructive role in addressing the protracted Rohingya crisis, expressing optimism that continued Chinese initiatives would pave the way for a lasting resolution.

He sought greater Chinese investment across several priority sectors, including ready-made garments, electric vehicles, light engineering, high-tech electronics, semiconductors, and renewable solar energy.

Welcoming proposals for multilateral regional connectivity, notably the Kunming-Chattogram corridor and the China-Myanmar-Bangladesh Economic Corridor, the President affirmed Dhaka’s readiness to collaborate closely with Beijing and regional partners for mutual economic benefit.

He underscored the modernisation and expansion of Mongla Port alongside the development of the dedicated Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone as pivotal undertakings to accelerate domestic industrialisation and logistics links.

The President also called upon China to sustain its technical and financial support for the comprehensive Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project, urging prompt progress in bilateral discussions toward its swift execution.

Highlighting the historic ties forged during Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman’s visits to China in 1977 and 1980, as well as his own state visit to Beijing in April this year, he remarked that high-level exchanges have consolidated and elevated the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations.

Describing China as a steadfast, time-tested friend and development ally, the President expressed gratitude for Beijing’s financing and construction of the 1,000-bed Bangladesh-China Friendship General Hospital.

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He additionally sought Chinese expertise and technical assistance to advance leukaemia treatment facilities at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Dhaka, which currently serves civilian patients as well. Ambassador Yao Wen conveyed assurances of China’s continued support in this regard.

Lauding the outgoing envoy for his proactive tenure in advancing bilateral relations, the President wished Ambassador Yao Wen success in his future assignments, observing that Dhaka would warmly remember his dedicated diplomatic contribution.

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 the Chinese ambassador.