Fakhrul urges Chinese support for Rohingya crisis, trade expansion

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has prioritised strengthening Bangladesh-China relations to deal with the ongoing Rohingya crisis and pace up the country’s development efforts through increased cooperation in trade, investment, technology and infrastructure.

Fakhrul made the remarks while speaking as chief guest at a discussion titled "Long Live Bangladesh-China Friendship" at Hotel Sonargaon in the capital on Saturday, said a press release.

Describing Bangladesh-China ties as historic, Fakhrul said bilateral relations had grown stronger over the years.

The relationship gained a solid foundation during the tenure of former President Ziaur Rahman and was further strengthened through former prime minister Khaleda Zia's visit to China, he added.

The minister said bilateral cooperation now extends beyond government-to-government relations to education, trade, technology, and people-to-people exchanges, focusing on Bangladeshi students seeking higher studies in China, generation of employment through import of advanced technology and expansion of business by traders.

Fakhrul further said that China's achievements in science, technology, and economic development present significant opportunities for Bangladesh through increased investment and technology transfer.

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Fakhrul also said the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has maintained long-standing ties with the Communist Party of China and stressed the importance of pursuing balanced and mutually beneficial relations with China alongside India, the United States, Europe, and other global partners.

During the event, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen said Beijing is keen to expand business, trade, and investment with Bangladesh and reiterated China's commitment to continued bilateral cooperation and support for a peaceful solution to the Rohingya issue.

The event was organised by the Bangladesh-China Friendship Association and was chaired by its President Nazmul Haque Nannu. State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat also attended as a special guest.