Dhaka, June 30 (V7N) - Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday said China has expressed a strong willingness to work closely, sincerely, and affectionately with Bangladesh’s next elected government. He made the remarks at a press conference held at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, following the return of a nine-member high-level party delegation from an official visit to China.

Fakhrul said the BNP team held several rounds of discussions with senior officials of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and expressed mutual interest in deepening bilateral relations. He noted that during the discussions, China clearly conveyed its intention to enhance cooperation with the government that will be elected in Bangladesh through the democratic process.

During the visit, the BNP delegation raised the longstanding Teesta River water management project with the Chinese side. Fakhrul said they explained Bangladesh’s needs and strategic expectations related to the project, and China responded positively. While the project is still under review, Fakhrul noted that should BNP form a future government, it would consider the proposal with a positive outlook.

The delegation also urged Chinese officials to take a more proactive and effective role in ensuring the safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation of the Rohingya refugees to Myanmar’s Rakhine State. In response, Chinese authorities reportedly assured them of their sincere efforts to work with Myanmar to enable an expedited return.

Mirza Fakhrul described the visit as an opportunity to strengthen the friendship between the two nations and their political parties. He reaffirmed BNP’s long-standing support for the One China Policy and clarified that the party has always respected China’s territorial integrity. He mentioned that while a Taiwanese trade center had once briefly opened in Dhaka during a BNP government, it was shut down soon afterward in recognition of China’s position.

Fakhrul also praised the achievements of China under the leadership of President Xi Jinping and expressed BNP’s appreciation for the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), noting that work on several BRI projects is already underway in Bangladesh. He said that future cooperation on BRI-linked infrastructure projects that serve national interests would be welcomed if BNP comes to power.

In its meetings with CPC leaders, the BNP delegation proposed greater collaboration in areas such as infrastructure, renewable energy, digital technology, semiconductors, higher education, medical services, SME development, modern agriculture, blue economy, and technology transfer. Fakhrul said China responded favorably to these proposals and encouraged ongoing dialogue on these sectors.

Fakhrul further revealed that during the meeting with CPC Politburo member Li Hongzhong, a formal invitation was extended to BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman to visit China. He said the CPC also proposed signing a two-year political memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the BNP, which the party has accepted as a constructive and friendly gesture.

Responding to a question from the media, Fakhrul stated that China is encouraging Bangladesh’s return to democracy and has shown eagerness to engage with a government elected through a fair and participatory process. He said BNP emphasized cooperation based on mutual respect and development priorities centered on public welfare and sovereignty.

The BNP Secretary General concluded by expressing hope that this diplomatic engagement would open a broader path for strategic cooperation, particularly in light of evolving regional dynamics and geopolitical challenges.

The delegation included Standing Committee members Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Begum Selima Rahman; Chairperson’s Advisers Zahir Uddin Swapan, Ismail Zabihullah, and Professor Sukomal Barua; Media Cell Convener Dr. Moudud Hossain Alamgir Pavel; and the Chairperson’s Personal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar.

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