[🇧🇩] China is a Time Tested Friend and a Strategic Partner of Bangladesh

[Saif]

https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/foreign-affairs/376143/what-to-expect-from-yunus%E2%80%99s-china-trip

What to expect from Yunus’s China trip
If everything goes as planned, Dr Muhammad Yunus will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on March 28

Combination picture of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. Photo: AFP
Sheikh Shahariar ZamanSheikh Shahariar Zaman
Publish : 13 Mar 2025, 10:00 AMUpdate : 13 Mar 2025, 10:00 AM

Against the backdrop of strained relations between Dhaka and Delhi and the second tenure of Donald Trump as the US president, Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus is set to visit China later this month.

If everything goes as planned, Yunus will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on March 28.

Along with discussions on bilateral relations, the two leaders may also address the evolving geopolitical landscape.

The meeting is expected to focus on three of Xi’s global initiatives: the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI) and the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI).

Given the circumstances, Dhaka is placing significant importance on this visit.

A senior official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Dhaka considered the chief adviser’s visit to China very important, adding that preparations for this visit had already begun.

"During this visit, there will be a meeting between President Xi Jinping and the chief adviser in Beijing. Additionally, the chief adviser will address the Boao Forum for Asia."

BFA and possible agreements

The chief adviser was invited to attend the Boao Forum for Asia conference to be held in China’s Hainan province from March 25 to 28.

The decision for him to participate was finalized after confirming the meeting with the Chinese president.

Several sources indicate that if both sides agree, multiple agreements may be signed during this visit.

One official said Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Tauhid Hossain visited China in January and discussed high-level visits in celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

They mentioned that throughout the year, both countries would organize various events.

"China is Bangladesh’s largest trading partner. Additionally, Chinese investors are interested in Bangladesh. Investment relations could be a key focus during this visit."

Changing geopolitical dynamics

Diplomacy is never static. A country that is friendly today may change its stance tomorrow based on interests or other factors.

For instance, before August 5, India worked closely with Bangladesh, while relations with the US were less warm.

However, the situation has now shifted – Bangladesh's relationship with India has become somewhat uneasy, whereas its ties with the Biden administration were excellent, and the Yunus government is also increasing communication with the Trump administration.

Notably, Yunus recently spoke over the phone with Elon Musk, who is a close associate of Trump.

A former diplomat said the depth and nature of Bangladesh’s relations with various countries depended on its national interests and the priorities of those nations.

Providing an example, they said China was showing interest in various development projects in Bangladesh, while the US wanted to expand its trade relations with Bangladesh.

“The government is making decisions based on national interests. For instance, it has already decided on energy purchases from the US and increasing business engagements with Elon Musk."

Strained ties with India

Regarding the uneasy relations with India, the former diplomat said: "Before the political shift in Bangladesh, there were no issues with Indian visas. Over 1.5 million visas were issued annually, a significant portion of which were medical visas. However, this has now been significantly restricted."

"Why India made this decision is something they can explain, but Bangladeshis are adapting to the changing situation," they added.

Medical tourism

Visa policies can have a substantial influence on another country, and India serves as a prime example.

A large number of Bangladeshis travelled to India not only as tourists but also for medical treatment, making medical diplomacy a crucial factor.

However, with the tightening of Indian visa policies, Bangladesh is seeking alternative options.

China has stepped up, and the first group of Bangladeshi medical tourists departed for the Chinese city of Kunming on Monday.

A former diplomat said that in response to the new reality, the interim government was diversifying its collaborations.

Bangladesh had requested China to designate three hospitals in Kunming for Bangladeshi patients, they mentioned, adding that Beijing had responded positively.

If Bangladeshis found China’s healthcare system satisfactory, medical tourism in China would increase, further strengthening China’s soft power influence in Bangladesh, they noted.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh Unveils Details of the Yunus Xi Meeting! (Interesting video in Hindi which elaborates relations between Bangladesh, China and India)

 

[Saif]

Around 90 pct of Bangladeshi respondents stand in favor of China: survey

Around 90 pct of Bangladeshi respondents stand in favor of China: survey-

english.news.cn

Around 90 pct of Bangladeshi respondents stand in favor of China: survey
Source: XinhuaEditor: huaxia2025-03-12 14:15:15

Imtiaz Ahmed, executive director at the Center for Alternatives, introduces the survey "National Image of China in Bangladesh," in Dhaka, Bangladesh, March 11, 2025. Around 90 percent of Bangladeshi respondents have favorable stance on China and their satisfaction is increasing over the past three years, according to a leading local think-tank survey. The survey, "National Image of China in Bangladesh," released on Tuesday, found that the overall image of China in Bangladesh has improved and shows consistent trends in several areas, including Bangladesh-China economic relations, people's perception of the Chinese society and economic situation. (Photo by Habibur Rahman/Xinhua)

DHAKA, March 12 (Xinhua) -- Around 90 percent of Bangladeshi respondents have favorable stance on China and their satisfaction is increasing over the past three years, according to a leading local think-tank survey.

The survey, "National Image of China in Bangladesh," released on Tuesday, found that the overall image of China in Bangladesh has improved and shows consistent trends in several areas, including Bangladesh-China economic relations, people's perception of the Chinese society and economic situation.

This finding has been used to compare the three surveys conducted in 2022, 2023 and 2024, which were aimed at understanding the perceptions of the Bangladeshi people about China in general and their perceptions of the different aspects of the Bangladesh-China relationship.

The Center for Alternatives conducted the survey and found that it reflects a growing acknowledgement of the country's cultural heritage and global influence, with dominant power perceptions remaining the key theme. And most respondents lauded China's emerging role in solving the Rohingya crisis and mitigating the protracted conflict situation in the Middle East.

The survey showed that diplomatic ties have been marked by mutual respect, with China being a key development partner for Bangladesh.

The findings also suggest a real need and scope exists for more significant cultural, educational, and social interactions between the people of China and Bangladesh.

This survey was conducted from October to November 2024 among 5,335 respondents across all eight divisions from different socio-economic backgrounds.

Imtiaz Ahmed, executive director at the Center for Alternatives, told Xinhua that in several areas, particularly regarding bilateral relations, there has been consistent positive sentiment. And there has been quite a good positive count on the Belt and Road Initiative.

He said that people expect more investment and people-to-people exchange. One new thing that has come up is regarding the health sector.

People expect that more collaboration and more changes can be done in this area, where the Bangladeshi health sector can develop as much as China's health sector has done.

For his part, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen said these surveys have showcased the Bangladeshi people's perception of China in social, economic, and cultural fields, as well as their friendly sentiments towards China.

They particularly highlight some trend-based changes and positive developments over the past three years, Yao added.

Yao stated that these data reflect the support and endorsement from the Bangladeshi people for China's friendly policies towards all Bangladeshi people. ■

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen delivers a speech at an event to release the survey "National Image of China in Bangladesh," in Dhaka, Bangladesh, March 11, 2025.

Around 90 percent of Bangladeshi respondents have favorable stance on China and their satisfaction is increasing over the past three years, according to a leading local think-tank survey.

The survey, "National Image of China in Bangladesh," released on Tuesday, found that the overall image of China in Bangladesh has improved and shows consistent trends in several areas, including Bangladesh-China economic relations, people's perception of the Chinese society and economic situation. (Photo by Habibur Rahman/Xinhua)​

 

[Saif]

This will be the most important visit by any Bangladesh leader

Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen says ahead of Yunus' visit

www.thedailystar.net

This will be the most important visit by any Bangladesh leader
Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen says ahead of Yunus' visit

Shafiqul Alam

Chief Adviser Prof Mohammad Yunus' scheduled visit to China from March 26-29 is going to be the "most important visit" by a Bangladesh leader over the last 50 years as the two countries are eyeing to take the relations to a new height.

CA's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said this quoting Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen after he called on the chief adviser at the state guest house Jamuna today to discuss the upcoming visit to China.

Shafiqul was addressing the press at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital.

The CA's press secretary said a big focus will be given on relocation of Chinese factories to Bangladesh to make the country a manufacturing hub.

"We want to create a revolution in the manufacturing sector," said the press secretary, adding that it helps create more jobs and boost export from Bangladesh to the global market.

He said there will be a series of engagements during the CA's China visit.

Highlighting the outcomes of the meeting, Shafiqul said the Boao Forum for Asia is called Davos of the East where top leaders of Asia and different countries and chief executive officers (CEOs) of giant global firms participate.

On the sidelines of the forum, he said, Yunus is likely to have meetings with CEOs of some companies.

Yunus and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set hold their first ever bilateral meeting on March 28.

The CA is expected to attend a programme on March 29 at the Peking University and will return to Dhaka at night (same day).

As per the plans, the chief adviser will first attend the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2025 in Boao, south China's Hainan Province.

On March 27, Yunus is scheduled to participate in the inaugural plenary session of the BFA and Executive Vice President of the State Council will meet the Chief Adviser the same day.

On August 25 last year, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen conveyed the Chinese leadership's invitation to Yunus to visit China at his convenience.​

 

[Saif]

২৬ মার্চ চীন যাচ্ছেন প্রধান উপদেষ্টা, বাংলাদেশে কারখানা স্থানান্তরে সর্বোচ্চ গুরুত্ব: প্রেস সচিব

‘চট্টগ্রাম বন্দরের সক্ষমতা কত দ্রুত বাড়ানো যায়—সে বিষয়টিও আলোচনায় স্থান পাবে।’

bangla.thedailystar.net

২৬ মার্চ চীন যাচ্ছেন প্রধান উপদেষ্টা, বাংলাদেশে কারখানা স্থানান্তরে সর্বোচ্চ গুরুত্ব: প্রেস সচিব

ফরেন সার্ভিস একাডেমিতে প্রধান উপদেষ্টার প্রেস উইংয়ের সংবাদ সম্মেলন। ছবি: বাসস

প্রধান উপদেষ্টা অধ্যাপক ড. মুহাম্মদ ইউনূস আগামী ২৬ মার্চ চার দিনের জন্য চীন সফরে যাচ্ছেন। এই সফরের মধ্য দিয়ে বাংলাদেশ-চীন সম্পর্ক নতুন উচ্চতায় নিয়ে যেতে চায় অন্তর্বর্তী সরকার।

প্রধান উপদেষ্টার চীন সফর নিয়ে আজ রোববার ঢাকায় রাষ্ট্রীয় অতিথি ভবন যমুনায় অধ্যাপক ইউনূস ও চীনের রাষ্ট্রদূত ইয়াও ওয়েন বৈঠক করেছেন।

পরে ফরেন সার্ভিস একাডেমিতে এক প্রেস ব্রিফিংয়ে প্রধান উপদেষ্টার প্রেস সচিব শফিকুল আলম এ কথা জানান।

প্রধান উপদেষ্টার চীন সফরসূচি তুলে ধরে শফিকুল আলম বলেন, এই সফরের সময় চীনের প্রেসিডেন্ট শি জিনপিংয়ের সঙ্গে বেইজিংয়ে ২৮ মার্চ অধ্যাপক ইউনূসের দ্বিপক্ষীয় বৈঠক হবে। সেখানে দু'দেশের দ্বিপক্ষীয় সব বিষয় নিয়ে আলাপ হবে।

তিনি বলেন, 'অধ্যাপক মুহাম্মদ ইউনূস গত ৮ আগস্ট অন্তর্বর্তী সরকারের দায়িত্ব গ্রহণের পর এটি হবে তার প্রথম দ্বিপক্ষীয় সফর।'

প্রেস সচিব বলেন, অন্তর্বর্তী সরকার বাংলাদেশকে একটা বৈশ্বিক ম্যানুফেকচারিং হাব (উৎপাদন কেন্দ্র) হিসেবে গড়ে তুলতে চায়। সে লক্ষ্যে প্রধান উপদেষ্টার সফরে চীনের কারখানাগুলোকে কীভাবে বাংলাদেশে স্থানান্তর করা যায়, সে বিষয়টি আলোচনায় সর্বোচ্চ গুরুত্ব পাবে।

অধ্যাপক ইউনূসের সফরসূচির বিষয়ে শফিকুল আলম বলেন, ২৬ মার্চ চীনে পৌঁছাবেন প্রধান উপদেষ্টা। এরপর ২৭ মার্চ তিনি চীনের হাইনান প্রদেশে অনুষ্ঠেয় বোয়াও ফোরাম ফর এশিয়া (বিএফএ) সম্মেলনে বক্তব্য দেবেন।

প্রেস সচিব বলেন, বিএফএকে বলা হয়—প্রাচ্যের দাভোস। এই সম্মেলনে এশিয়ার শীর্ষস্থানীয় নেতা এবং বড় বড় প্রতিষ্ঠানের প্রধান নির্বাহীরা যোগ দেবেন। আমরা আশা করছি, বিএফএ সম্মেলনের সাইডলাইনে চীনসহ অন্যান্য দেশের বড় বড় প্রতিষ্ঠানের প্রধান নির্বাহীদের সঙ্গে বৈঠক হবে প্রধান উপদেষ্টার।

সফরকালে অধ্যাপক ইউনূস পিকিং বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়ে বক্তৃতা করবেন এবং এই বিশ্ববিদ্যালয় থেকে তাকে অনারারি ডক্টরেট ডিগ্রি দেওয়া হবে। এছাড়া তিনি চীনের হাইটেক পার্ক পরিদর্শন করবেন বলে জানান প্রেস সচিব।

শীর্ষস্থানীয় কোম্পানির প্রধান নির্বাহীদের সঙ্গে বৈঠকের প্রসঙ্গে তিনি বলেন, বাংলাদেশকে ম্যানুফেকচারিং হাব হিসেবে গড়ে তোলার বিষয়ে তাদের সঙ্গে আলোচনা হবে। তিনি বলেন, চীনের সঙ্গে সম্পর্কটা নতুন উচ্চতায় নিয়ে যেতে চান অধ্যাপক ইউনূস।

শফিকুল আলম জানান, বৈঠকে চীনের রাষ্ট্রদূত বলেছেন যে, বাংলাদেশের সঙ্গে চীনের কূটনৈতিক সম্পর্কের ৫০ বছর পূর্তিতে বাংলাদেশের সরকার প্রধানের জন্য এই সফরটি হবে অত্যন্ত গুরুত্বপূর্ণ।

প্রেস সচিব বলেন, এই সফরে অন্তর্বর্তী সরকারের পক্ষ থেকে মূল ফোকাস থাকবে চীনের কোম্পানিগুলো যেন তাদের কারখানা বাংলাদেশে স্থানান্তর করে।

তিনি বলেন, গতবছর জাতিসংঘ সম্মেলনের সাইডলাইনে অনুষ্ঠিত চীনের পররাষ্ট্রমন্ত্রীর সঙ্গে প্রধান উপদেষ্টার বৈঠকে অধ্যাপক ইউনূস চীনের নবায়নযোগ্য জ্বালানি কোম্পানিকে বাংলাদেশে বিনিয়োগের আহ্বান জানিয়েছিলেন।

তিনি জানান, প্রধান উপদেষ্টার আহ্বানে সাড়া দিয়ে চীনের দু'টি কোম্পানি ইতোমধ্যে বাংলাদেশে অফিস স্থাপন এবং সোলার এনার্জিতে বিনিয়োগের সিদ্ধান্ত নিয়েছে।

শফিকুল আলম বলেন, চীনের সোলার কোম্পানি ট্রেড প্রোটেকশনের কারণে অনেক ক্ষেত্রে তাদের বিনিয়োগে বাধাগ্রস্ত হচ্ছে। কিন্তু বাংলাদেশে তারা কোনো বাধার সম্মুখীন হবেন না।

তিনি জানান, চট্টগ্রাম বন্দরের সক্ষমতা কত দ্রুত বাড়ানো যায়—সে বিষয়টিও আলোচনায় স্থান পাবে।

তিনি আরও জানান, বৈঠকে চীনের রাষ্ট্রদূত বলেছেন, ৫ আগস্ট গণঅভ্যুত্থানের পরে অন্য যেকোনো দেশের তুলনায় চীনের কোম্পানিগুলো সর্বোচ্চ বিনিয়োগ করেছে।

প্রেস সচিব বলেন, আশা করছি এই সফরের পর আরও চীনা কোম্পানি বাংলাদেশে আসবে। চীনের হাসপাতাল চেইন যেন বাংলাদেশে যৌথ বিনিয়োগ করে—সে বিষয়ে আলোচনা হবে বলে উল্লেখ করেন তিনি।​

 

[Saif]

Chinese solar panel giant Longi to invest in Bangladesh: envoy

Longi, the largest solar panel manufacturer in the world, has decided to set up an office and invest in solar panel manufacturing in Bangladesh, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen said in Dhaka Sunday.

en.prothomalo.com

Chinese solar panel giant Longi to invest in Bangladesh: envoy
BSS
Dhaka
Published: 16 Mar 2025, 20: 57

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen met Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in Dhaka on Sunday, 16 March 2025. BSS

Longi, the largest solar panel manufacturer in the world, has decided to set up an office and invest in solar panel manufacturing in Bangladesh, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen said in Dhaka today, Sunday.

The ambassador said several top Chinese solar panel manufacturers visited Bangladesh in December to explore opportunities to invest in the country.

They made the visit after Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus extended an invitation to Chinese companies to relocate their manufacturing plants here as part of the Interim Government's plan to turn the country into an economic hub, Chief Adviser Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said.

Ambassador Yao Wen said, of the companies that visited Bangladesh, at least two Chinese firms, including Longi, have decided to set up offices and plants in the country.

"They will invest in Bangladesh very soon," he told Chief Adviser Prof Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna here.

Yao Wen said Chinese firms have been the largest investors in Bangladesh since 5 August, when the autocratic regime of Sheikh Hasina was ousted from power.

He said dozens of Chinese companies have lined up to invest in Bangladesh as a dedicated Chinese export processing zone is expected to work soon.

The envoy said the upcoming official visit of the Chief Adviser to China would be the most important one in the 50-year-long relationship between the two 'trustworthy" and close friends.

Prof Yunus welcomed more Chinese investors in Bangladesh, saying the country can be a top manufacturing hub for companies that want to export goods to Western nations.

He urged Chinese hospital chains to set up top clinics here or build joint venture healthcare facilities with their Bangladeshi counterparts.

"Bangladesh needs massive investment in healthcare. The Chinese hospital chains now have unique opportunities to construct hospitals here," he said.

The ambassador said China has dedicated four hospitals in the southern Chinese city of Kunming for Bangladeshi patients. A group of Bangladeshi people travelled to Kunming last week for treatment.

The ambassador said Peking University, one of the world's top educational institutions, would confer an honorary doctorate to Prof Yunus during the visit.

The Chief Adviser would also speak at the university.

During the visit, the first bilateral foreign tour of the Chief Adviser, he would join and speak at the Boao Forum, considered the Davos of the East, where top leaders and CEOs gather every year to discuss top global issues.

Prof Yunus would deliver a speech on 'Asia in a Changing World: Towards a Shared Future'. The Chinese executive vice premier will also join him during the session.

The Bangladesh Chief Adviser is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on 28 March. The two countries will issue a joint statement after the meeting.​