United News of Bangladesh

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Tuesday said China supports Bangladesh’s interim government in its governance and backs the country’s efforts to hold the general election smoothly and successfully, and pursue a development path that suits its national conditions. "Bangladesh is now undergoing a pivotal phase of reform and development," he said while speaking at the DCAB Talk. Asked about the elections in Bangladesh, Yao said China wants a ‘smooth, successful and participatory’ election in Bangladesh. Asked about the timing, he said it was the people of Bangladesh to decide the time, not any foreign country. Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) hosted the flagship event at Jatiya Press Club. DCAB President AKM Moinuddin and General Secretary Md Arifuzzaman Mamun also spoke on the occasion. At the beginning, a one-minute silence was observed, paying deep respect to former DCAB's former President Shamim Ahmad, who passed away on July 7 last, as well as the innocent victims, including children, who tragically lost their lives in the recent aircraft crash into Milestone School and College. Fakhrul calls for State reforms to improve public life Asked why China did not engage other South Asian countries in the first place, Yao said China found the relationship between Bangladesh and Pakistan warming up, which inspired China to take up the initiative. China has many other trilateral initiatives and the China-Pakistan-Bangladesh one is only the latest one, he said. Sought comments on why China was inviting all the political parties, including BNP, Jamaat, National Citizen Party, to visit China over the last several months, the Chinese envoy said that China was engaging with all of the parties as now there is a chance for this. Over the years, he said, the engagement with the parties like BNP and Jamaat was hindered. Asked what was the nature of the hindering, Ambassador Yao said, "You know it!" Ambassador Yao said China is willing to always be a trustworthy good friend, good neighbour and good partner of Bangladesh. "To help Bangladesh achieve better development, we are ready to strengthen exchanges on governance experience and share experience in economic development, poverty alleviation, disaster prevention and mitigation and climate change response," he said, welcoming Bangladesh as it is playing a greater role in international and regional affairs.

A delegation led by the Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, paid a courtesy visit to Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman at Army Headquarters on Thursday. In addition to the exchange of greetings, they discussed opportunities to enhance technical and military cooperation between the Bangladeshi and Chinese militaries as well as participation in Bangladesh-China joint military exercises.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen has expressed optimism that the people from all walks of life in Bangladesh would actively participate in celebrating the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-China diplomatic relations and the year of China-Bangladesh people-to-people exchanges. He hoped that Bangladeshis would join joint efforts contributing to further strengthening and elevating the friendship between Bangladesh and China. Ambassador Yao, together by Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, visited the “China Book House” on Friday organised by the Chinese Embassy at the “Ekushey Book Fair”. They attended a special exhibition showcasing traditional Chinese craftsmanship hosted by the Confucius Institutes and engaged warmly with local readers, adding another cultural highlight to the 2025 Dhaka “Happy Chinese New Year” celebrations. The ambassador said the “China Book House” was established as a gateway for the Bangladeshi people to learn more about China. He welcomed Bangladeshi readers to explore and gain new knowledge through the platform. The “China Book House” exhibits over 400 types of Chinese publications, totalling over 1,000 copies, covering topics such as culture, history, folklore, tourism, cuisine, economy, politics, and Chinese language learning. Bangladeshi delegation joins 2nd preparatory conference for UN Peacekeeping Ministerial 2025 In front of the “China Book House”, teachers from the Confucius Institutes set up interactive booths so that visitors could have the opportunity to experience traditional Chinese crafts such as sugar painting, woodblock printing, lacquer fan making, and the Luban lock. A dragon and lion dance team also performed up close for the audience, adding to the lively and festive atmosphere. Farooki said the “China Book House” enriched the cultural diversity of the “Ekushey Book Fair” and created a unique space for Bangladeshi readers to gain firsthand insights into Chinese culture.

Interim government Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Sunday (August 25, 2024) urged China to relocate some of its solar panel factories to Bangladesh in an effort to boost the country's green transition and exports. Chinese manufacturers "can relocate" solar panel factories to Bangladesh, which will help Bangladesh diversify exports and help transition into a green economy, the 2006 Nobel Peace Laureate said. Professor Yunus made the call when Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen called on the Chief Adviser at the State Guest House Jamuna, according to the Chief Adviser’s press wing. The Chief Adviser stressed close economic collaboration between Beijing and Dhaka and asked the Chinese investors to relocate their plants in Bangladesh. Ambassador Wen said China stands ready to share its experience in reform and development with Bangladesh, implement the agreements and consensus reached by the two sides, and push forward pragmatic cooperation in various sectors. “No matter what changes have taken place in the domestic situation of Bangladesh, China’s commitment to develop China-Bangladesh relations remains unchanged,” he said. Ambassador Yao welcomed the formation of the interim government, and congratulated Prof Yunus on assuming the position of Chief Adviser during a courtesy call on him at Jamuna on Sunday. He stressed China’s support for the interim government to build a poverty-free, democratic, and prosperous Bangladesh. He said China has emerged as one of the largest manufacturers of solar panels, but the country increasingly faced restrictions in the export market. Prof Yunus also called for increased imports of Bangladeshi goods to China in an effort to increase economic cooperation between the two nations. He also called for technological transfer and increased collaboration in disaster management, education and farming. Ambassador Yao conveyed greetings of the Chinese leadership and its people to Professor Muhammad Yunus on his assumption of the leadership of the Bangladesh Interim Government. Read more: China’s commitment remains unchanged no matter what changes have taken place in Bangladesh: Ambassador Yao Wen The Ambassador said Beijing was ready to work with Dhaka and hoped that he would "fulfill expectations of a poverty-free Bangladesh". "The future of Bangladesh will be better and brighter under your leadership," he told the Chief Adviser. He said China and Bangladesh have recently upgraded their relationship to a "comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership" and added that both nations would celebrate the 50th year of diplomatic ties next year. The Ambassador said China would remain committed to finding a durable solution to the Rohingya crisis including a ceasefire in violence-torn Rakhine state in Myanmar. Professor Yunus hoped that China would continue to provide political, financial and humanitarian assistance to more than one million Rohingya people living in Bangladesh. The Chief Adviser also recalled his fond memories in China where several universities have set up Yunus Centres and many young people have formed Three Zero Clubs whose members make a commitment for zero contribution to climate change, zero wealth concentration and zero unemployment. He emphasised youth to youth collaboration and people to people connection between the two countries. During the meeting the Chinese Ambassador conveyed Chinese leaderships' invitation to Professor Yunus to visit China at his convenient time. He said Bangladesh was at the crossroads but "the people of Bangladesh will overcome the challenges." The Chinese Ambassador handed over a cheque for US 20,000 dollars to the Flood Relief Fund of the Chief Adviser from the embassy. Read more: Interim government keen to work closely with China: Foreign Affairs Adviser  He said the Chinese Red Cross would also donate US 100,000 dollars as humanitarian aid to Bangladesh's flood affected people. Ambassador Yao said that China strictly follows the principle of non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs, respecting the development path independently chosen by the Bangladeshi people, and expects that Bangladesh would realize unity, stability, development and prosperity at an early date. The ambassador said that China and Bangladesh are traditionally friendly neighbors and comprehensive strategic cooperative partners. The bilateral relationship sets up a model of mutual respect, and cooperation for win-win results for developing countries. The envoy said China firmly supports Bangladesh in safeguarding its national sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, maintaining national unity and stability, and playing a more significant role in international and regional affairs. He said that both China and Bangladesh are at a crucial stage of development and revitalization, with enormous potential for cooperation. China is about to import fresh mangoes from Bangladesh, expedite the negotiation for a Free Trade Agreement, optimize the China-Bangladesh Investment Agreement, encourage local currency settlement in bilateral trade and support Chinese enterprises in investing in Bangladesh. “China is committed to working with Bangladesh to organize and carry out activities for the ‘China-Bangladesh Year of People-to-People Exchanges’ in 2025,” said the ambassador. China will also maintain visits and exchanges at all levels and in various sectors, elevating the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership to a new height, he said. Ambassador Yao reiterated that China is determined to encourage and engage with the relevant parties in Myanmar for a ceasefire, so as to create amicable conditions for the early repatriation of the displaced people from Rakhine State of Myanmar. Read more: China welcomes the new interim government in Bangladesh: Spokesperson

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Sunday said China stands ready to share its experience in reform and development with Bangladesh, implement the agreements and consensus reached by the two sides, and push forward pragmatic cooperation in various sectors. “No matter what changes have taken place in the domestic situation of Bangladesh, China’s commitment to develop China-Bangladesh relations remains unchanged,” he said. Ambassador Yao welcomed the formation of the interim government, and congratulated Prof Yunus on assuming the position of Chief Adviser during a courtesy call on him at Jamuna on Sunday. He stressed China’s support for the interim government to build a poverty-free, democratic, and prosperous Bangladesh. Ambassador Yao said that China strictly follows the principle of non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs, respecting the development path independently chosen by the Bangladeshi people, and expects that Bangladesh would realize unity, stability, development and prosperity at an early date. Read more: Interim government keen to work closely with China: Foreign Affairs Adviser  The ambassador said that China and Bangladesh are traditionally friendly neighbors and comprehensive strategic cooperative partners. The bilateral relationship sets up a model of mutual respect, and cooperation for win-win results for developing countries. The envoy said China firmly supports Bangladesh in safeguarding its national sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, maintaining national unity and stability, and playing a more significant role in international and regional affairs. He said that both China and Bangladesh are at a crucial stage of development and revitalization, with enormous potential for cooperation. China is about to import fresh mangoes from Bangladesh, expedite the negotiation for a Free Trade Agreement, optimize the China-Bangladesh Investment Agreement, encourage local currency settlement in bilateral trade and support Chinese enterprises in investing in Bangladesh. “China is committed to working with Bangladesh to organize and carry out activities for the ‘China-Bangladesh Year of People-to-People Exchanges’ in 2025,” said the ambassador. Read more: China welcomes the new interim government in Bangladesh: Spokesperson China will also maintain visits and exchanges at all levels and in various sectors, elevating the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership to a new height, he said. Ambassador Yao reiterated that China is determined to encourage and engage with the relevant parties in Myanmar for a ceasefire, so as to create amicable conditions for the early repatriation of the displaced people from Rakhine State of Myanmar.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen has said China is ready to work with Bangladesh to expand new cooperation in a wider range of areas. He mentioned higher levels of connectivity, renewable energy, the Blue Economy, financial stability, digital empowerment, scientific and technological innovation, agriculture and food security, poverty alleviation and sustainable development as areas of cooperation. "With joint efforts, we will achieve common development and promote together the building of a community with a shared future for mankind," said Ambassador Yao in an article. The Ambassador said the two nations are set to embrace a historic opportunity to further elevate bilateral relations and friendly cooperation in various fields by 2025, the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties. Read more: Election 2024: China congratulates PM Hasina, says committed to working with her Over the past 52 years since its independence, Bangladesh has always been committed to exploring the path of modernization in line with its own national conditions, and has made commendable achievements, he said. The Ambassador said China hopes that under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the new Bangladeshi government will lead the people to proceed faster and steadier on the path of national prosperity and rejuvenation. On January 11, 2024, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier of State Council Li Qiang sent congratulatory messages to Sheikh Hasina on her reelection as Prime Minister of Bangladesh. The Chinese leaders expected that the two countries would make joint efforts to further implement the important consensus President Xi Jinping reached with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Johannesburg, South Africa last August, enhance political mutual trust, promote traditional friendship, further synergize development strategies, and promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, so as to uplift the China-Bangladesh Strategic Partnership of Cooperation to a new height. Read more: China sees brighter future with Bangladesh: Chinese envoy to Dhaka China and Bangladesh are both developing and populous countries at a critical stage of their respective development and revitalisation, said the Ambassador. China calls for an equal and orderly multipolar world, forging a broader international consensus, proposing more effective solutions and enhancing the practicality and guidance for building a community with a shared future for humankind. "We advocate that the multipolar world should be equal, that is, to insist on the equality of all countries, oppose hegemony and power politics, oppose the monopoly of a few countries in international affairs, and effectively promote the democratisation of international relations," he said. International issues should be resolved through consultation among all countries, and the future and destiny of the world should be in the hands of all countries. Building a community with a shared future for humankind underscores the general trend of history and the direction of the people’s hearts, he said. “More and more countries have come to realize that the future of the world should be jointly controlled by all countries, and created by all of us hand in hand,” said the Ambassador. Read more: Envoys of India, China, Russia and four other countries congratulate Hasina on her big election victory

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen has congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for successfully holding of the 12th National Parliamentary Election and Awami League’s victory. Ambassador Yao conveyed warm congratulations and best wishes from Chinese leaders to PM Sheikh Hasina this morning. The Chinese ambassador called on PM Hasina at Ganabhaban and reaffirmed that Chinese leaders are committed to working with her to carry forward the long-established friendship, enhance mutual trust, and deepen practical cooperation – thereby uplift the China-Bangladesh Strategic Partnership of Cooperation to a new height. Ambassador Yao noted that both China and Bangladesh are at a critical stage of development and revitalization, and China would always be the most trustworthy partner and the most reliable friend of Bangladesh on the way to modernization. Read more: Celebrity candidates who failed to shine at the 12th National Election Under the guidance of Chinese President Xi Jinping and PM Sheikh Hasina, China and Bangladesh have set a model of mutual respect and win-win cooperation, said the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka. China will firmly support Bangladesh in safeguarding national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and in opposing external interference, it said. China will also support Bangladesh in maintaining unity and stability, and in playing a more active role in international and regional affairs, said the embassy. China is committed to assisting Bangladesh in realizing the “Vision 2041” and the dream of “Sonar Bangla,” it said. Ambassador Yao said that China is prepared to strengthen all-round cooperation with Bangladesh, and take due actions to facilitate and expand trade and investment with Bangladesh, promote high-quality China-Bangladesh Belt and Road cooperation, and make its own contribution to realizing “Smart Bangladesh”. Read more: Election 2024: Former BNP vice chairman Shahjahan Omar wins from Jhalakathi-1

BNP on Saturday (November 11, 2023) said the Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen’s recent comment on Bangladesh's next elections does not reflect the hopes and aspirations of people. In a statement, BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi called upon China to shed light on the expectations of the people of Bangladesh and the issues relating to people’s interests. “In fact, Ambassador Wen's comment that China wants to see the upcoming elections in Bangladesh as per the constitution does not reflect the will or aspirations of people,” he said. The BNP leader said a large section of the people in Bangladesh have not had a chance to vote in the past ten years. Read more: Our main goal is to hold fair and neutral vote: PM Hasina “So, the country’s vast population wants a free, fair, inclusive and credible election not under the authoritarian Sheikh Hasina regime, but under a polls-time neutral government,” he said. Rizvi said the Chinese ambassador's remarks come at a time when the entire nation in unison is demanding the installation of a polls-time impartial government by carrying out a peaceful movement in an effort to restore their voting rights and democratic values. Earlier on Thursday, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen addressing a programme said his country wants Bangladesh's elections to be held as per the constitution, and the relevant parties resolve their differences and maintain political and social stability. Rizvi said Wen’s remark on the upcoming national election as per the constitution has attracted the attention of the BNP and the democracy-loving people of Bangladesh. Read more: Chinese Ambassador hopes for stability after next election, continued cooperation with Bangladesh “We welcome his concern about Bangladesh. At the same time, we would like to remind (him) that BNP, the party that introduced multi-party democracy and parliamentary democracy in Bangladesh, is always committed to the constitution, which is approved and accepted by people,” he said. The BNP leader also said it is regrettable that the ‘illegitimate’ Awami League government changed the constitution through controversial amendments in an attempt to retain power. He also said the well-accepted and widely praised caretaker government system, established on the basis of national consensus, was abolished by the ‘fascist’ Sheikh Hasina government with a nefarious political motive. US says it takes any violence leading up to election in Bangladesh ‘incredibly seriously’ Rizvi said two consecutive ‘farcical’ national elections in 2014 and 2018 clearly proved that no elections are possible under Sheikh Hasina. “Because, theElection  Commission, and an identified section from administration, judiciary and law enforcement forces play the role of accomplices in state-sponsored criminalisation in the name of election.” Stating that Bangladesh and China have long established friendly relations based on trade, commerce, knowledge and other bilateral interests, he said BNP believes that diplomatic success lies in establishing relations between the people of the two countries. Rizvi urged China to give importance to the desires and interests of the people of Bangladesh. He said their party also expects the full support of the international community in the ongoing struggle of the people of Bangladesh for a free, fair and participatory election.“BNP also wants to restore the basic foundations of democracy, so that the rule of law, human rights, labour rights and freedom of expression are re-established in Bangladesh." Read more: People to foil AL's move to hold another lopsided election: Rizvi

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen today (November 09, 2023) reiterated his country's non-interference approach towards other countries' internal affairs, noting that the future of Bangladesh will be determined by the people of Bangladesh. He laid emphasis on maintaining political and social stability through joint efforts. “Our policy is very clear. We don’t intervene. It is our hope that there will be stability after the next election and that our cooperation will continue,” the Chinese ambassador said. He hoped that the election will be held based on “constitution and laws.” He was addressing an event titled “BRI@10: Ushering in Next Golden Decade” at a Dhaka hotel, organised by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB). A certain country claims to be friend of Bangladesh, but imposes visa curbs: Chinese Ambassador CEAB President Ke Changliang spoke as the special guest at the event. DCAB President Rezaul Karim Lotus and General Secretary Emrul Kayesh also spoke on the occasion. “We want stability. We hope, Chinese people and property will be protected. So far, we feel safe. Thanks for the efforts that have been taken,” said the ambassador. “This is the pre-election year in Bangladesh. Many friends from the media have come to ask me what is China’s observations on the current political situation in Bangladesh. I want to underscore that the upcoming election is an internal affair of Bangladesh,” said Ambassador Yao. As a matter of foreign policy, he said, China adheres to the principle of non-interference in internal affairs of other countries, and opposes any force interfering in internal affairs of other countries. “The future of Bangladesh shall be determined by people of Bangladesh. China is full of confidence about the better future of Bangladesh as well as China-Bangladesh relations,” he said. Those who claim situation in Myanmar 'not conducive' for repatriation never visited Rakhine : Chinese Ambassador Yao “As a friend of Bangladesh and a country with large investments, enterprises and personnel in Bangladesh,” he said, “China sincerely hopes that all stakeholders in Bangladesh would take the fundamental interests of the people into full consideration, properly resolve their differences, and jointly maintain political and social stability.” In two years’ time, China and Bangladesh will celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The envoy said China is willing to take this opportunity to work with Bangladeshi friends from all walks of life to stay committed to the themes of peace, stability and development, push bilateral relations to a new level, and usher in a new era of friendly cooperation. Israel has right to statehood, so does Palestine: Chinese Ambassador

China has called on relevant countries to exercise restraint, to take an objective and just position, to work for de-escalation of conflict, and to avoid causing an even bigger blow to regional and international security. “China condemns all violence and attacks against civilians, and opposes all acts in violation of international law,” Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen said during his meeting with Yousef Ramadan, Ambassador of Palestine to Bangladesh, on Monday (October 16, 2023). Read: Death toll rises to 2,670 in Gaza: ministry The two sides exchanged in-depth views on Palestine. Ambassador Yao noted that regarding the latest round of the conflict, China believes that it is a top priority to make all-out efforts to stop the fighting as soon as possible, prevent it from spreading endlessly, and avoid further deterioration of the situation. In the meantime, he said, it is imperative to observe the international humanitarian law, make every effort to ensure the safety of civilians, open up a humanitarian rescue and assistance passage as quickly as possible, and prevent a severe humanitarian disaster. The UN should play its due role in resolving the question of Palestine, said the Chinese envoy. Read: What military support the U.S. is providing to Israel's military “The UN Security Council needs to shoulder important responsibilities for this, build international consensus as quickly as possible and take real measures to that end,” he said, adding that the protection of civilians in armed conflict is a red line under international humanitarian law. Ambassador Yao also said, the indiscriminate use of force is unacceptable, and neither Palestinian nor Israeli civilians should be targeted. “The safety of UN staff and humanitarian workers must be guaranteed.” China is communicating with the relevant parties, according to Chinese Embassy in Dhaka. The special envoy of the Chinese government on the Middle East issue will soon visit relevant countries in the region and make active efforts to facilitate a cessation of violence and de-escalate the situation. In the meantime, China calls for a more authoritative, influential and broad-based international peace conference to be held under the auspices of the UN to build international consensus for peace and work for a comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the question of Palestine at an early date. Ambassador Yao pointed out that regarding the question of Palestine, it is at the heart of the Middle East issue and a wound that keeps being torn open in today’s world. “The root cause of this question lies in the long delay in realizing the dream of an independent State of Palestine and the failure to redress the historical injustice suffered by the Palestinian people,” he said. “Israel has the right to statehood, so does Palestine. The Israelis have obtained the safeguards for survival, but who will care about the survival of the Palestinians? The Jewish nation is no longer homeless in the world, but when will the Palestinian nation return to its home? There is no shortage of injustices in the world, but the injustice to Palestine has dragged on for over half a century. The sufferings that plagued generations must not continue,” said the Chinese ambassador.  Read: Israel's Netanyahu vows to 'destroy' Hamas, says Gaza offensive still in early stages The answer to the question is the two-state solution and an independent State of Palestine, he said. “This is how Palestine and Israel could coexist in peace and how the Arabs and Jews could live in harmony. Only when the two-state solution is fully implemented can the Middle East truly enjoy peace and Israel enjoy lasting security,” said Ambassador Yao. He said the right way to advance the two-state solution is to resume peace talks as soon as possible. “All mechanisms for peace must play a positive role.” Ambassador Yao stressed that on the question of Palestine, China will continue to stand on the side of peace, on the side of justice, on the side of international law, on the side of shared aspirations of the majority of countries in the world, and on the side of human conscience. Read more: Relocation of Gaza residents extremely dangerous: UN chief