BNP eyes stronger China business ties: Fakhrul

The ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has announced plans to build much stronger business, economic, and political links with China.

Speaking at a meeting organised by the Bangladesh-China Friendship Association, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir explained that the long-standing friendship between the two countries has received a major boost. This follows the recent official trip of Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to China.

The minister made it clear that while Bangladesh wants to work closely with China for business reasons, the government also intends to keep balanced and healthy relationships with both India and the United States.

A big part of this growing partnership focuses on new technology and energy. Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir noted that Bangladesh could benefit greatly from Chinese technical help to build better roads, expand solar power, and develop green energy. The country is also looking for China’s support to provide technical training to help young people learn new job skills.

Other high-level officials, including Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon and State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat, also attended the meeting. The Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, attended as the guest of honour.

During the event, Ambassador Yao Wen shared some exciting possibilities for the future. He mentioned that China is interested in bringing its high-speed bullet train technology to Bangladesh. This could eventually connect the major cities of Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet with a fast rail network. The ambassador also promised that China would give its full cooperation to help return Rohingya refugees safely to their homeland.