Fakhrul seeks Chinese support on Rohingya repatriation

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has urged China to step up investment in Bangladesh and to reinforce its cooperation in fostering conditions for the safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation of Rohingyas, as he received outgoing Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen at Bangabhaban on Wednesday.

According to the president's press secretary, Fakhrul commended Beijing's constructive role in addressing the Rohingya crisis, contending that its initiatives could help resolve the impasse and facilitate lasting repatriation. Moreover, he called for expanded Chinese investment and cooperation in sectors including ready-made garments, electric vehicles, light engineering, high-tech electronics, semiconductors and solar energy. He also welcomed regional connectivity initiatives such as the Kunming-Chattogram corridor and the China-Myanmar-Bangladesh Economic Corridor, while underscoring that the modernisation and expansion of Mongla Port and the establishment of the China Economic and Industrial Zone were pivotal to connectivity, industrialisation and broader economic development.

Furthermore, the president urged China to sustain its technical and financial assistance for the Teesta River Integrated Management and Restoration Project, and he expressed gratitude for its support in building and financing the 1,000-bed Bangladesh-China Friendship General Hospital. In addition, he sought Chinese expertise and technological assistance in treating blood cancer at the Combined Military Hospital, to which the Chinese side pledged the necessary cooperation.

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Meanwhile, recalling the longstanding ties between the two nations, Fakhrul referred to former president Ziaur Rahman's visits to China in 1977 and 1980, as well as his own trip in April this year, noting that such high-level exchanges had further consolidated bilateral relations. Describing China as a trusted friend and strategic partner, he voiced hope that the partnership would grow stronger in the days ahead. Finally, he commended Ambassador Yao Wen for his contribution to strengthening Bangladesh-China relations.