Bangladesh stands at 'crucial crossroads' of transformations: Ambassador Yao

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen today (11 May) expressed his hope that Chinese modernisation could offer some reference for Bangladesh and fellow Global South nations as Bangladesh stands at this "crucial crossroads of transformations,"

"Modernisation is a common task for the Global South. In a matter of decades, China has accomplished what took Western nations centuries," he said while speaking at the "China-Bangladesh Readers Forum on Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" at a city hotel this afternoon. 

He stated that China achieved two miracles — rapid economic growth and sustained social stability, bunking the myth that modernisation means Westernisation.

Ambassador Yao said China's practice offers fresh perspectives and inspires developing nations to pursue their own modernisation pathways. 

Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, who recently accompanied Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus during his visit to China, spoke as the chief guest. 

The adviser highlighted the growing relationship between the two countries in key areas. 

BNP Standing Committee Member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, President of the China International Communications Group (CICG) Du Zhanyuan and deputy Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Dr Syed Abdullah Mohammed Taher also spoke at the event. 

Through the joint efforts of both countries, the envoy said they have proudly organised this forum about the Bengali edition of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China(volume one). 

As one of the most important initiatives of the Bangladesh-China year of people-to-people exchanges, Ambassador Yao said this event marks an important part of experience sharing on state governance.

"Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" contains important works by Chinese President Xi Jinping, from 2012 to 2022. 

To date, it is published in four volumes with 42 language versions, reaching over 180 countries. 

"You can find it on the bookshelves of nearly 1,700 major libraries worldwide. It is the preferred go-to book for countries to observe and study China," said the ambassador. 

Since its publication, he said, this work has gained global recognition as the most influential leadership publication, featuring unprecedented multilingual reach and worldwide distribution. 

"Government leaders and policymakers across continents have actively studied and added it to their collections," said Ambassador Yao.

"I often read and study them, especially the parts of vital significance. They articulate the Chinese leader's vision and strategies for the new era, and present the profound yet accessible governance philosophy with timeless wisdom that remains relevant today. If one seeks to understand China's success, the answers lie within these pages," he said.

This work opens a window for the Bangladeshi readers to understand contemporary China, said the ambassador. 

"Lots of Bangladeshi friends used to ask me how could China lift nearly 100 million people out of poverty. And I told him that: you may find the answers in this book," he said. 

Speaking on the book's relevance to Bangladesh, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan said, "The book discusses reforms, which are now being widely talked about in the context of Bangladesh."

"It discusses social undertakings — something we are also considering for supporting the poor and underprivileged," he said.

He noted that the book also covers topics like regional diplomacy, peaceful coexistence, and combating corruption, all of which are highly relevant to Bangladesh.