Speaker, Chinese envoy discuss Teesta project, Rohingya crisis

Speaker of the National Parliament Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram has held a courtesy meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Dhaka Yao Wen at his office in the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Wednesday, April 22.

During the meeting, they discussed various issues of mutual interest, including bilateral relations between the two countries, formation of a parliamentary friendship group, the Teesta project, and resolution of the Rohingya crisis.

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed described China as Bangladesh's oldest and most trusted friend. He said 1977 was a milestone in the history of bilateral diplomatic relations, with Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman playing a pioneering role in strengthening ties through his visit to China. The 1991 visit of former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia took the relationship to an unparalleled height.

The speaker emphasised that exchange of visits by members of parliament is crucial for advancing relations between the two countries. He urged for swift implementation of the Bangladesh-China Parliamentary Friendship Group under the democratic system. Referring to Ziaur Rahman's proposal to form SAARC as revolutionary for cooperation in South Asia, he noted that China's presence as an observer in SAARC has added a new dimension to regional development.

Speaker Hafiz Uddin proposed that China play an effective and strong role in implementing the important Teesta project for Bangladesh and resolving the long-standing Rohingya crisis. Ambassador Yao Wen responded positively on these issues and also spoke about the global energy crisis.

The Chinese envoy congratulated Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed on his election as Speaker of the National Parliament and presented a souvenir on behalf of the Chinese government. He noted that Bangladesh's participation in China's Belt and Road Initiative is highly significant.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the speaker presented the Chinese ambassador with a souvenir symbolising the National Martyrs' Memorial.