United News of Bangladesh

A high-level delegation led by Ashik Chowdhury, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), has left for China to promote and facilitate foreign direct investment. The delegation includes senior officials from BIDA, BEZA and representatives from the banking sector  including HSBC, Standard Chartered Bangladesh, and Citi NA. BIDA presents final recommendations of National Semiconductor Task Force to CA “We are pleased to have received considerable interest in our visit. We look forward to engaging with Chinese companies and providing them with the information and support they need to invest in Bangladesh,” said Ashik Chowdhury ahead of the trip.  The delegation will hold a series of engagements in Shanghai and Guangzhou from 20 to 26 July. A key highlight of the visit will be a business seminar in Shanghai on 21 July jointly organised by BIDA and the Embassy of Bangladesh in China with participation expected from over 100 Chinese investors and companies in sectors such as electronics, textiles, agribusiness, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices.

In a significant step toward enhancing media cooperation between Bangladesh and China, the Bangladesh-China Apon Media Club and Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Tuesday at the CMG Bangla Dhaka office. The MoU was signed by Moinul Hasan Sohel, general secretary of DRU, and Olivia Chu, representative of the Bangladesh-China Apon Media Club, on behalf of their respective organizations. Welcoming the DRU delegates at the ceremony, Yu Kuang Yue, director of the Bangla Department of CMG, expressed his delight over the agreement.   He emphasised the strong bilateral ties that have developed between the two countries over the past 50 years, noting that the media plays a pivotal role in strengthening these relations. “This MoU will serve as a bridge for further collaboration between Chinese and Bangladeshi media,” he said. DRU General Secretary Moinul Hasan said the agreement opens up new avenues for cooperation in sectors such as tourism, health, and education. He added that this initiative will contribute to further solidifying economic ties between the two nations.   DRU Vice President Gazi Anwar highlighted the importance of accurate information. “Bangladeshi journalists can now source news about China directly from Chinese media, ensuring factual and authentic reporting. We want to see China through Chinese eyes, not just through foreign outlets,” he said. South Korean Ambassador seeks enhanced trade and investment in Bangladesh Joint Secretary of DRU, Nadia Sharmin, emphasised the importance of creating a media bridge between the two nations. “The longstanding relationship between Bangladesh and China needed a dedicated media linkage, and today’s agreement fulfills that need. We hope to walk together on the path of technology and development,” she said. Other DRU officials present at the event included Organizational Secretary Abdul Hai Tuhin, Women Affairs Secretary Rozina Rozy, and Publicity and Publication Secretary Mizan Chowdhury. Journalists from CMG Bangla’s Dhaka office also attended the ceremony. During the event, discussions were held on future collaborations including information exchange programs, journalist training, and launching awards for best reporting, aimed at fostering deeper ties and professional development. The Bangladesh-China Apon Media Club was established in December 2024, while the Dhaka Reporters Unity, founded on May 26, 1995, is currently the largest organisation of reporters in Bangladesh.

China on Thursday said they firmly believe that the people of Bangladesh will be able to overcome the dengue epidemic soon with the joint efforts of the Bangladesh government, society and support from the international community. "We sincerely hope that every dengue patient receives the best possible treatment and a speedy recovery," said Chargé d'Affaires of China Embassy in Bangladesh Dr Liu Yuyin while donating dengue prevention materials to Bangladesh. The Chinese government empathised with Bangladesh’s fight against dengue and has 'acted swiftly' upon the request of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. "Within a very short time, we have procured 789 boxes (over 19,700 units) of Degue Rapid Test Kits worth Tk 5 million," said the Chinese CDA, adding that this assistance stems not only from humanitarian spirit but also from the enduring friendship between our two countries. "It is yet another vivid example of our comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in action in the field of public health," he added. The programme was held at the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser for the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Prof Dr Md Sayedur Rahman and Director General of DGHS Prof Dr Md Abu Jafor joined the handing over ceremony. Dengue fever is a global public health concern, and Bangladesh, as a densely populated country with extensive water systems, faces particularly severe challenges in prevention and control, Liu Yuyin said. US supports Prof Yunus's bid to build  consensus on reform agenda for elections  "We highly commend the proactive measures taken by the Government of Bangladesh, including strengthening vector control, improving surveillance systems, and promoting public education," he mentioned. The CDA China will continue to do its utmost to maintain efficient collaboration with Bangladesh, strongly support the development of its healthcare sector and advance exchanges and cooperation in health to benefit more people in both countries. On behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Bangladesh, he extended their sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Directorate General of Health Services, the Central Medical Stores Depot, the Communicable Disease Control (CDC), and all other stakeholders for their active cooperation and hard work. He also expressed their highest respect to the medical workers fighting on the frontlines against dengue. In March this year, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus attended the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025 and visited Beijing. This visit released a strong signal of mutual support, understanding and trust between China and Bangladesh, demonstrating that no matter how the international situation or Bangladesh’s domestic situation changes, China’s commitment to deepening the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership with Bangladesh remains unwavering, said the CDA. During the visit, Liu Yuyin said the two sides issued a joint statement and reached over ten practical cooperation outcomes, including a series of collaborations in the health sector. "Today’s ceremony is a concrete step to implement the important consensus reached by our leaders," he said. As President Xi Jinping emphasised, people’s health is the foundation of social progress, said the CDA. Bangladesh seeks ICESCO support to establish 'Islamic Culture Centre' "As a friendly neighbour and trusted development partner of Bangladesh, China has always demonstrated the profound bond of a “friend in need is a friend indeed” through concrete actions," Liu Yuyin said. Last September, at the invitation of the interim government of Bangladesh, China was the first country to dispatch a national emergency medical team to Dhaka. The team visited victims injured in the July movement and worked with Bangladeshi counterparts on treatment plans. "This year, in addition to dengue supplies, we have provided Bangladesh with flood relief materials, robotic physiotherapy equipment, ventilators, and are in the process of delivering mobile medical vehicles and COVID-19 testing kits—totaling more than 3 million USD in value," Liu Yuyin said.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Sunday said there are huge opportunities left unexplored in Bangladesh’s villages, especially in the field of agriculture and in deep water marine and river fisheries. During his meeting with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, the Chief Adviser said every village in Bangladesh could be transformed into a production unit with a Chinese touch. Minister Wentao said his country is ready to extend cooperation with Bangladesh in trade and commerce, with a particular eye on agriculture, jute, marine fisheries and research. The Chinese minister, who led a large delegation of Chinese businesspeople and industrialists at the China-Bangladesh Conference on Investment and Trade, made the comments when he met the Chief Adviser at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka. “The Chinese companies that have come with me are excited. You expressed the direction of Bangladesh’s future development. The Chinese companies told me that they are now more confident about investing in Bangladesh after your initiatives,” Wentao told the Chief Adviser. Referring to growing consumerism in Bangladesh, the Chinese minister said he was impressed by the presence of shoppers in Bangladeshi malls even after 10pm and cited statistics that suggested that by 2030, Bangladesh would become the ninth largest consumer market in the world. “As we discussed, we are eager to know what areas of agriculture we can have full-scale cooperation in,” the Chinese minister said, referring to areas such as farmland development, water conservation and planting technologies. “As I see it, agriculture is not just an industry but a form of social organisation,” the minister said. Beijing for working together to maintain multilateral trading system, stability When it comes to fisheries and the marine economy, he mentioned Chinese expertise in the fields and sought specific proposals from Bangladesh. “China is leading the world in fishing technologies, especially deep water marine fishing,” said the Chinese minister. He also took note of Professor Yunus’ speech made earlier in the day at the China-Bangladesh Conference on Investment and Trade when the Bangladesh Chief Adviser spoke about the potential of reviving Bangladesh’s jute sector. He said China imports jute worth $100 million from Bangladesh annually, which is roughly 10 per cent of Bangladesh’s jute exports, and with research and product diversification, this could grow manifold. He said after the Chief Adviser’s speech at the conference, Chinese jute traders gathered immediately to decide to conduct some research on Bangladesh’s jute products. “Our cooperation should not be limited to businesses. We should also collaborate on research. If the Bangladesh side joins the research work, I think jute will be a very suitable product for us,” Wentao said. The Chief Adviser said Bangladesh’s jute product designers can work together with Chinese experts. He appreciated the Chinese minister’s gesture and thanked China for being on the side of Bangladesh as a friend. “Your words are music to my ears,” said the Chief Adviser, also hailing the Chinese minister for bringing so many Chinese investors with him and then making a passionate speech about Bangladesh’s prospects at the China-Bangladesh conference earlier in the day. “We are absolutely delighted. Your speech (today) was really important. So many investors came. It is a good signal for us, as the whole nation is watching,” he said. CA Prof Yunus invites Chinese firms to invest in Bangladesh He recalled his recent visit to China when many bilateral issues were discussed, including trade and commerce. “During our visit, we had a lot of friendly discussions. Your visit will take it forward,” said the Chief Adviser. Prof Yunus expressed Bangladesh’s willingness to create a favourable environment for Chinese companies to invest and do business in the country. He voiced hope that China would extend support in developing Bangladesh’s basic industries, particularly agriculture and fisheries, to help improve the livelihoods of its people, according to a statement from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce. Both sides exchanged views on further deepening practical cooperation between Bangladesh and China. Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen also attended the meeting. Prof Yunus said Bangladesh and China have a profound friendship and China is a trustworthy friend and reliable development partner of Bangladesh. He thanked China for its long-term support and assistance to Bangladesh's economic and social development, and for arranging a large-scale economic and trade delegation to visit Bangladesh in such a short time after my visit to China and achieving many practical results. Wentao said China and Bangladesh are good neighbours who help each other and good partners who seek common development. The leaders of the two countries have drawn up a new blueprint for the development of Bangladesh-China relations. China is willing to continue to deepen trade and investment cooperation with Bangladesh to achieve common development, said the Chinese side. China is also willing to follow the important economic and trade consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries and strive to promote pragmatic cooperation with Bangladesh in traditional basic industries such as agriculture and fisheries and emerging fields such as new energy and modern logistics, so as to benefit the people of the two countries and promote the deepening and solidification of the China-Bangladesh comprehensive strategic partnership.

Bangladesh and China signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) on Saturday to bolster trade and technological cooperation. The MoUs were signed  following a bilateral meeting between Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin and Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao. The meeting was held at Hotel InterContinental Dhaka, where Adviser Bashir Uddin urged China to support Bangladesh’s agricultural sector by sharing drone technology, emphasising its transformative potential. “Revolutionary changes can be brought to fertilizer application, seed sowing, pesticide spraying, and crop monitoring through drone technology,” he said, adding that China’s expertise could play a crucial role in modernising Bangladesh’s agriculture. Minister Wang Wentao responded positively, expressing China’s readiness to expand cooperation in both technology and investment. Surprise unlikely in upcoming budget: Debapriya “China is ready to assist Bangladesh in agriculture and digital technology. In particular, we can help to increase productivity through smart agriculture and drone technologies,” he said. The Bangladesh adviser also sought Chinese support in introducing modern fishing vessels and related technologies to strengthen the country’s marine fisheries sector. He highlighted the need for advanced trawlers and fish processing systems to tap into Bangladesh’s marine resources effectively. In reply, Minister Wang reiterated China’s willingness to collaborate in the development of fisheries and marine resources.  “China is prepared to provide the necessary support to Bangladesh in harvesting marine resources and enhancing the fisheries sector,” he noted. The two sides also discussed broader cooperation in trade, investment and technological advancement. Of the two MoUs signed during the meeting, one pertains to the formation of a Joint Working Group to promote free trade, while the other focuses on cooperation in the field of e-commerce. Commerce Adviser Bashir signed on behalf of Bangladesh and Minister Wang Wentao signed on behalf of China. The Chinese delegation included Yao Wen, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh; the Director General of Outward Investment and Economic Cooperation; and the Director General of the Department of Asian Affairs under China’s Ministry of Commerce. The Bangladeshi side comprised the Commerce Secretary, the Industries Secretary, the Agriculture Secretary, the Chairman of the Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission, and other senior officials.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus will inaugurate the Bangladesh-China conference on investment and trade in Dhaka on June 1 where the Chinese and Bangladeshi businesspeople will engage and explore trade and investment opportunities. Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, who is scheduled to arrive on May 31, will join the event as a special guest. Around 250 investors and businesspeople representing 100 Chinese companies will attend the conference, said Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder on Tuesday. While briefing the reporters at the Foreign Service Academy, he said top representatives of four Chinese chamber bodies and top executives of some Chinese companies are among the participants of the daylong conference. This is the continuation of a recently held investment summit in Dhaka, Azad said. Dhaka eyes $500m budgetary support, $250m for railways from Tokyo: Shafiqul Alam Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) are going to jointly organise the event. Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on May 31 to discuss issues of mutual interest and “elevate” Bangladesh-China economic and trade relations to a new level. During his two-day visit, Minister Wentao is likely to meet Chief Adviser Prof Yunus and Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin in addition to his other engagements, a senior official told UNB. Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen, recently said, the visit of the largest-ever business delegation in Bangladesh from China, led by the Chinese Minister of Commerce, would send a ‘strong signal’ of openness, cooperation and mutual benefit.

The first consignment of Bangladeshi mangoes will be exported to China on Wednesday and will soon be available in the Chinese market, marking a significant step in agricultural trade between the two countries. Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin and Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen will join an event marking the export which will be held at the CIP gate of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Wednesday afternoon, a senior official told UNB on Tuesday. Agriculture Secretary Md Emdad Ullah Mian announced the development at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital on May 21. “Following Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus's recent visit to China, the government has intensified efforts to export agricultural products, especially mangoes, to the Chinese market. A shipment of mangoes will be sent from Bangladesh to China this month,” he said. The secretary added that the government has taken up a long-term plan to ensure the sustainability and timeliness of mango exports to China. “This initiative is part of a broader food security strategy aimed at ensuring safe and nutritious food for all by 2050,” he noted. Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador  Yao  recently said that the upcoming visit of the largest-ever business delegation from China, led by Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao, would send a “strong signal” of openness, cooperation, and mutual benefit. Dhaka eyes $500m budgetary support, $250m for railways from Tokyo: Shafiqul Alam The minister is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on May 31 with a delegation of more than 100 Chinese investors. During the visit, the two sides will co-host a trade and investment exchange event, where hundreds of Chinese and Bangladeshi enterprises are expected to engage and explore further cooperation opportunities. Ambassador Yao also shared that procedures for importing Bangladeshi jackfruit and guava are ongoing. “We hope that Bangladesh can soon open up Hilsa exports to China—after all, Chinese foodies can’t wait to enjoy this delicious fish on their dining tables,” he said.

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.

A big business delegation from China will  be visiting Bangladesh soon that manifests strong economic ties between the two countries, Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin has said. The 100-member Chinese business delegation will be led by the Commerce Minister of China. Expressing satisfaction at the ease of visa, Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin  underlined that the affordable airfare on Dhaka- Kunming flights would further encourage Bangladeshi patients to receive treatment in China. Bangladesh thanked the government of China for offering special medical treatment facilities for Bangladeshi patients in Kunming. Bangladesh also requested the Chinese government to increase scholarships to Bangladeshi students by Chinese Universities. The issues were discussed when Director General of the Bureau of Southeast and South Asian Affairs, International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC), Peng Xiubin met the Foreign Secretary at his office this week. Rohingya issue was also discussed at the meeting, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Foreign Secretary reiterated Bangladesh’s firm support to one-China principle and expressed satisfaction on the successful visits of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain to China and having fruitful interactions with their counterparts, which have enhanced cooperation in a number of areas including trade, investment, health and educational sectors. The Director General appreciated the warm and friendly attitude of the people of Bangladesh towards China and said that China and the Communist Party of China will be with the people of Bangladesh to fulfill their dreams and expectations in pursuit of economic development and growth. Prof Yunus seeks Dhaka-Baku direct flight to boost economic ties with Azerbaijan Referring to the recent successful visit of the Chief Adviser to China and having fruitful discussion with President Xi Jinping, the Director General said that Bangladesh is an important partner and trusted friend.  He said that China will work to strengthen bilateral trade, continue to support the infrastructural development and enhance cultural cooperation and people-to-people exchanges. Peng Xiubin reiterated China’s strong support to Bangladesh as a close-door neighbor and development partner as part of its neighborhood diplomacy. He added that the contact between the political parties of two countries is an important pillar of Bangladesh-China relationship and the CPC looks forward to expanding these exchanges to think tanks and academia. The Foreign Secretary thanked the Chinese government for its continued support in this regard and thanked the Director General of IDCPC for visiting Bangladesh.

Visiting Governor of the Yunnan Province Wang Yubo on Sunday proposed three suggestions for strengthening ties between Bangladesh and China, noting that President Xi Jinping has been attentive to the development of Yunnan Province and has given a series of important instructions on its development direction and priorities.  “We firmly believe that with the joint efforts of both sides, the path of friendly cooperation between Yunnan and Bangladesh will grow ever wider, making even greater contributions to the building of high-quality Belt and Road,” he said, warmly inviting their friends from Bangladesh to visit Yunnan, where they can experience "Yunnan: a many-splendored life " and share "opportunities called Yunnan." Yubo was speaking at the launching ceremony of Yunnan Provincial Education and Medical Exhibition at the Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban Auditorium, Dhaka University. Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum attended the event as the chief guest. Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen and DU Vice Chancellor Prof Niaz Ahmed Khan, among others, spoke at the event. Regarding his three suggestions, the Governor said, first, join hands to advance the modernisation of education. “Second, join hands to promote the building of a shared community for health and wellness. Thirdly, let us join hands to promote mutually beneficial cooperation in tourism,” he said. Governor Yubu said Yunnan has more than 90 universities, offering 15 languages programmes that cover languages of countries in South and Southeast Asia with which China has established diplomatic relations, and it is one of the key overseas study destinations for South Asian students. Bangladesh has the rich experience in higher education, vocational education and well-known institutions like the University of Dhaka, he said. “We warmly welcome more Bangladeshi students to study in Yunnan and encourage more teachers to engage in academic exchange here,” said the Governor. Mexican candidate for UNESCO meets Prof Yunus, lauds Bangladesh’s inclusive dev Yunnan, in collaboration with China's top hospitals, has established national regional medical centers specialising in cardiovascular, oncology, respiratory and other fields, he said. “We look forward to deepening cooperation in areas such as disease prevention, maternal and child healthcare, elderly healthcare, as well as advancing public welfare projects,” he said. In 2024, the province welcomed 700 million visitors, with domestic travelers accounting for over 50% and over 6 million inbound tourists visiting Yunnan. Nearly 4 million tourists stayed in Yunnan for more than 15 days. He said Yunnan will actively optimise visa and customs procedures, enhance transportation and payment conveniences, and improve comprehensive inbound tourism services, ensuring that Bangladeshi tourists find their trips easy, comfortable and delightful. Ambassador Yao said Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus visited China and reached a broad consensus with President Xi Jinping. “It sends a strong political signal that our mutual support is firm and unshakable,” he said, adding that it also marks that the Bangladesh-China Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership has now stepped onto a new and higher level. “At the new stage, we will do our utmost to deliver on the results of the visit,” the Ambassador said, adding that Governor Wang’s visit—the first high-level exchange since the Chief Adviser’s visit—demonstrates China’s commitment to actions. He said they will take this as an opportunity, continue to enhance our political mutual trust and further consolidate personnel and people-to-people exchanges between our two countries. At the new stage, the Ambassador said, they will continue to uphold the people-centered approach in our cooperation, tapping growth potential and forging new highlights. Education and public health are important for the country's development and people's happiness, he said, adding that they are also their cooperation priorities in the next steps.