Special Correspondent: President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has urged China to increase investment in Bangladesh and strengthen cooperation to create conditions for the safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation of Rohingyas to their homeland.

The President made the call when outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen paid a farewell courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban on Wednesday.
President’s Press Secretary Md Sarwar Alam briefed media after the meeting.
During the meeting, the President appreciated China’s constructive role in addressing the protracted Rohingya crisis, saying Chinese initiatives could contribute to resolving the crisis and ensuring sustainable repatriation.
He also called for greater Chinese investment and cooperation in a number of promising sectors, including ready-made garments, electric vehicles, light engineering, high-tech electronics, semiconductors and solar energy.
The President welcomed initiatives aimed at strengthening regional connectivity, including the proposed Kunming-Chattogram corridor and the China-Myanmar-Bangladesh Economic Corridor.
“Bangladesh is ready to work with China and relevant partners for mutual interests,” he said.
Mirza Fakhrul also highlighted the modernization and expansion of Mongla Port and the establishment of the China Economic and Industrial Zone as important initiatives for enhancing connectivity, accelerating industrialization and promoting economic growth.
He urged China to continue providing technical and financial assistance for the Teesta River Integrated Management and Restoration Project and requested that discussions on implementing the project be taken forward.
Recalling Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman’s visits to China in 1977 and 1980, as well as his own visit to China in April this year, President Mirza Fakhrul said such high-level exchanges had contributed to deepening and strengthening Bangladesh-China relations.
He described China as a “trusted friend and strategic partner” of Bangladesh and expressed hope that the longstanding bilateral relationship would become stronger and more consolidated in the coming days.
The President also expressed gratitude to China for its support in constructing and financing the 1,000-bed Bangladesh-China Friendship General Hospital.
During the meeting, the President sought Chinese expertise and technological cooperation in the treatment of blood cancer at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH), which is also open to the public.
Ambassador Yao Wen assured China’s cooperation in this regard.
The President praised the outgoing ambassador for his contribution to strengthening relations between Bangladesh and China.
Wishing Yao Wen success in his future endeavours, Mirza Fakhrul said Bangladesh would remember with gratitude his contribution to the development of bilateral relations.
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 of the Chinese Embassy Dr Liu Yuyin accompanied Ambassador Yao Wen.