Dhaka: President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday called on China to increase investment in Bangladesh and step up cooperation to create conditions for the safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar.
The President made the call when outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen paid a farewell courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban.
President’s Press Secretary Md Sarwar Alam briefed reporters after the meeting.
Appreciating China’s constructive role in addressing the Rohingya crisis, the President said China’s initiatives would contribute to resolving the crisis and facilitating sustainable repatriation.
He also urged China to enhance cooperation and investment in various sectors, including readymade garments, electric vehicles, light engineering, high-tech electronics, semiconductors and solar power.
Welcoming initiatives for enhanced regional connectivity including the Kunming-Chattogram corridor and China-Myanmar-Bangladesh Economic Corridor, the President said Bangladesh is ready to work with China and other partners in areas of mutual interest.
He described the modernisation and expansion of Mongla Port and the establishment of the China Economic and Industrial Zone as important initiatives for improving connectivity, promoting industrialisation and accelerating economic development.
The President also urged China to continue its technical and financial assistance for the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project and requested that discussions on implementation of the project be taken forward.
Praising Ambassador Yao’s contribution to strengthening Bangladesh-China relations, Mirza Fakhrul described China as a trusted friend and strategic partner of Bangladesh.
Recalling the 1977 and 1980 visits to China by late President Ziaur Rahman, as well as his own visit to China in April, 2026 along with senior and young leaders and students from Bangladesh, the President said such visits and exchanges have further deepened and strengthened bilateral ties.
He expressed hope that Bangladesh-China relations would become stronger and more consolidated in the days ahead.
The President expressed gratitude to China for financing and constructing the 1,000-bed Bangladesh-China Friendship General Hospital.
He also sought Chinese expertise and technological assistance for treating complex blood cancer patients at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH), which is open to the public.
The Chinese Ambassador assured him of cooperation in this regard.
The President wished Ambassador Yao continued success in his future endeavours, saying Bangladesh would remember with gratitude his contribution to strengthening Bangladesh-China relations.
The Ambassador thanked President Alamgir for his longstanding care and support for Bangladesh-China relations and for the support extended to him in performing his duties.
He said under the guidance of the leaders of the two countries, Bangladesh-China relations have advanced rapidly and have been elevated to the China-Bangladesh community with a shared future in the new era, said the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka.
The outgoing Ambassador said China will always be a trustworthy good friend, good neighbor, and good partner of Bangladesh, and stands ready to work hand in hand with Bangladesh to bring greater benefit to the two countries and the two peoples.
President Alamgir spoke highly of Ambassador Yao’s work during his tenure and his contributions to Bangladesh-China friendship.
He stated that Bangladesh attaches great importance to developing relations with China, firmly adheres to the one-China principle, and looks forward to conducting more practical cooperation with China so as to bring Bangladesh-China friendly relations to a new level.
The President’s Military Secretary, Secretary, Press Secretary and an Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were present at the meeting.
Deputy Chief of Mission Dr Li Yuyin accompanied Ambassador Yao Wen.
