'China keen to re-engage with Bangladesh’s elected government'

China has expressed its willingness to initiate renewed engagement with Bangladesh’s newly elected government, according to BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. He also noted Beijing’s positive stance on advancing technology cooperation in the future.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday (June 30) following a recent BNP delegation's visit to China, Fakhrul said, “China has shown a very positive attitude toward restoring democratic processes in Bangladesh.”

He highlighted discussions with Chinese officials, where the BNP emphasized China’s role in Bangladesh’s infrastructure development and sought deeper collaboration in digital technology, semiconductors, renewable energy, healthcare, higher education, communication, modern agriculture, SMEs, and the blue economy. China responded positively to the proposal.

The BNP delegation visited China at the invitation of the Communist Party of China. Led by Fakhrul, the team included senior leaders Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Selima Rahman, and other party advisors and officials. They briefed the media at a press conference held at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office.

During the five-day trip, the delegation met with key Chinese leaders, including Politburo member and Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, Li Hongzhong. In the meeting, BNP reaffirmed its support for the "One China Policy" and acknowledged the leadership of President Xi Jinping and the achievements under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Li Hongzhong extended an invitation to BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman to visit China.

Fakhrul also revealed that the BNP had sought Chinese assistance in extending loan repayment deadlines, reconsidering various fees, and exploring grant opportunities to help stabilize Bangladesh’s economy, which he said has been impacted by 17 years of political turmoil. The Chinese side responded sympathetically and pledged to consider the requests.

Additionally, the BNP urged China to play a stronger role in ensuring the safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar’s Rakhine state.