Bangladesh has urged China to step up its diplomatic engagement and cooperation to create conditions for the safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation of more than 1.2 million Rohingya refugees, as Dhaka seeks to reinforce international efforts to resolve the protracted humanitarian crisis.
President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir made the appeal during a farewell courtesy call by outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen at Bangabhaban on Wednesday morning, highlighting China’s constructive role in addressing the Rohingya crisis.
“China’s initiatives would contribute to resolving the crisis and ensuring sustainable repatriation,” the President said, according to President’s Press Secretary Md. Sarwar Alam, who briefed BSS on the meeting.
The President’s appeal comes amid Bangladesh’s continued diplomatic efforts to secure international support for the voluntary return of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar under conditions that guarantee their safety, dignity and fundamental rights.
He praised Beijing’s engagement in the crisis and called for stronger cooperation to translate diplomatic initiatives into tangible progress towards repatriation.
The President also expressed hope that Bangladesh and China would continue working together to address the Rohingya issue, which remains a major humanitarian and regional challenge for Bangladesh.
The Chinese ambassador’s farewell visit provided an opportunity to reaffirm the longstanding partnership between the two countries, particularly China’s role in supporting Bangladesh’s efforts to find a durable solution to the refugee crisis.
Beyond the Rohingya issue, the President called for increased Chinese investment and cooperation in ready-made garments, electric vehicles, light engineering, high-tech electronics, semiconductors and solar energy.
Welcoming regional connectivity initiatives, including the Kunming-Chattogram corridor and the China-Myanmar-Bangladesh Economic Corridor, he said Bangladesh was ready to work with China and relevant partners for mutual benefit.
He also highlighted the modernisation and expansion of Mongla Port and the establishment of the China Economic and Industrial Zone as important initiatives for connectivity, industrialisation and economic development.
The President urged China to continue its technical and financial assistance for the Teesta River Integrated Management and Restoration Project and requested progress in discussions on its implementation.
Recalling Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman’s visits to China in 1977 and 1980, as well as his own visit in April this year, Mirza Fakhrul said the exchanges had further strengthened bilateral relations.
Describing China as a trusted friend and strategic partner, he expressed hope that bilateral ties would become stronger in the coming days.
The President also thanked China for the construction and financing of the 1,000-bed Bangladesh-China Friendship General Hospital.
He sought Chinese expertise and technological cooperation in treating blood cancer at the Combined Military Hospital, which is open to the public. The Chinese ambassador assured cooperation in this regard.
The President praised Ambassador Yao Wen’s contribution to strengthening Bangladesh-China relations and expressed gratitude for his role in advancing bilateral cooperation.
“Bangladesh would remember, with gratitude, his contribution to the development of Bangladesh-China relations,” he said while wishing the outgoing envoy success in his future endeavours.
The President’s Military Secretary, Secretary, Press Secretary and Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were present at the meeting. Deputy Chief of Mission Dr Liu Yuyin accompanied the Chinese ambassador.
