United News of Bangladesh

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Thursday said China is not involved in the “so-called humanitarian corridor” issue, stressing that China always respects sovereignty and territorial integrity of any country.   “For the corridor issue - so called humanitarian corridor, I should say China is not involved. As far as my understanding is concerned, it is an initiative by the United Nations agencies to provide humanitarian supplies to Rakhine State for the people affected by the conflict, China is not involved in this matter,” he said while responding to a question after delivering a country lecture.  The Ambassador said they are not interfering in any internal affairs of any country and hoped Bangladesh and Myanmar can properly solve the issue over the Rohingya through peaceful dialogue, and promote the process of repatriation. Responding to a question on the updates of Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP), the Chinese envoy referred to the joint media statement issued after the bilateral meeting between Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and Chinese President Xi Jinping where it was mentioned that Bangladesh welcomed Chinese companies to participate in the project. Concerned over Delhi-Islamabad tensions, China opposes all forms of terrorism “I should say China remains ready. We are willing to offer our help. Now it is up to Bangladesh to make a decision whether Bangladesh wants to move forward,” said Ambassador Yao. Referring to whether it can be done through bilaterally, trilaterally or international consortium, it is truly Bangladesh’s decision how it will proceed with this project. “China will respect the decision made by Bangladesh. I wish this project can be started as soon as possible. That’s what I want to say,” said Ambassador Yao.  Earlier, delivering his country lecture, the envoy said China champions a multi-polar world where sovereign equality is paramount. “Every nation, regardless of size, strength or wealth, deserves full respect for its sovereignty and dignity.” He said no country shall interfere in others' internal affairs, and all states have the fundamental right to independently choose their social systems and paths of development, said Ambassador Yao. “China and Bangladesh have always respected each other. As an independent sovereign state, Bangladesh must be free from external interference,” he said, adding that the Bangladeshi people have the right to determine their own path of development. With a strong signal, Dhaka-Beijing set to elevate trade ties to new level: Ambassador Yao The envoy said China has consistently and firmly supported Bangladesh in upholding its independence, sovereignty, and national dignity, as well as in pursuing a modernization path suited to its national conditions. In turn, he said, Bangladesh has steadfastly upheld the one-China principle, rejected the so-called “Taiwan independence,” and adhered to the principle of non-interference in others’ internal affairs. The envoy said China-Bangladesh relations have withstood the test of international turmoil and evolving political situations in Bangladesh, and has since gained strong momentum. “The secret ingredient is equality and mutual respect. These principles will continue to be enshrined in our future relations,” he added. Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) organised the country lecture on ‘Five Decades of Bangladesh-China Relations: Towards a New Height’ at the BIISS auditorium. BIISS Director General Major General Iftekhar Anis delivered the welcome remarks while its Chairman AFM Gousal Azam Sarker chaired the session. Executive Director of the Centre for Alternatives, Bangladesh Imtiaz Ahmed made a presentation.

Local Government Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain has said that international pressure will be applied on India, if necessary, to ensure that Bangladesh receives its rightful share of water from the Teesta River. Speaking at a public hearing on the Teesta issue near the Teesta Railway Bridge in Kaunia Upazila, Rangpur District on Sunday, Asif highlighted the government's determination to pursue the matter with a firm stance. “Unlike previous administrations, this interim government will not adopt a submissive approach but will engage with India on an equal footing to ensure a fair distribution of Teesta water for the people of this region,” he asserted. The public hearing also saw the participation of Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, who echoed similar concerns regarding the river’s management. Interim govt claims macroeconomic stability as inflation drops, exports grow Asif, who also serves as an Adviser to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, assured the public that the Teesta Masterplan project, which is vital for the sustainable management of the river, would be finalised within the tenure of the interim government. He also spoke about several initiatives aimed at improving the northern region, including the construction of educational institutions on the Teesta char (shoals) based on local demand. Asif revealed plans to establish cold storage facilities to preserve agricultural products and revive sugar mills to promote agro-based industries. He mentioned that a survey was conducted for a 1,400-metre bridge linking Pirgachha and Chilmari, which is expected to be inaugurated during the current government's tenure. Speaking as the chief guest at the event, Syeda Rizwana Hasan emphasised the importance of collaboration between India and Bangladesh on the Teesta issue. She insisted that India must inform Bangladesh before releasing water from the Teesta dam, as it is an international river with shared rights. 133 more fruit-carrying trucks imported thru Benapole port Rizwana also highlighted that the Teesta Masterplan project with China is expected to be completed by December 2026. Besides, a 45-kilometre riverbank protection project to prevent erosion in the region is set to commence next week, she added.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday reiterated Bangladesh’s long-pending request for concluding the interim agreement on the sharing of water of the Teesta River with Bangladesh's fair share to alleviate sufferings of millions. It is necessary that Bangladesh receives its fair share of the Teesta water, the draft agreement of which has already been agreed upon by both governments in January 2011 to alleviate the sufferings and save the livelihoods of millions of people dependent on the Teesta River basin, she underscored.  Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India’s sincere commitment and continued efforts to conclude this agreement, in consultation with the relevant stakeholders. “There’s positive approach (from Indian side) but a date has not been fixed when it will be delivered. They can’t spell out that it’ll happen within a week,” Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen told reporters at a briefing at Sonargaon Hotel.