BNP seeks China's support on loan relief, investment, and development: Fakhrul on recent visit

The BNP has requested China's help in extending repayment periods for existing loans and reconsidering associated fees to boost the nation's economy, party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said today (30 June).

Speaking at a press conference following a recent BNP delegation's visit to China, Fakhrul said, "We also discussed improving the investment climate and ensuring investment security during our meetings with Chinese leaders."

He said the BNP delegation urged China to play a larger role in Bangladesh's development across key sectors such as digital technology, semiconductors, renewable energy, healthcare, communication, and the blue economy. 

Fakhrul noted that Chinese officials responded positively to these proposals.

Noting that China's positive view on the Teesta project, he said, "We have discussed the Teesta project and explained our needs. China has responded positively to it. They are working on it. We have told them that if they make a proposal, we will definitely look at it positively if we ever come to power in the future."

During the visit, the BNP delegation met with the Chinese Communist Party (CPC) in Beijing at the 'Great Hall of the People' and with Li Hongsong, Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China and Vice-Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, and Sun Haiyan, Vice-Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee.

The BNP secretary general said they also met with Sung Weidong, Vice-Minister of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He said Li Hongsong invited BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman to visit China and expressed a desire to collaborate with the future elected government in Bangladesh.

BNP believes in one-China policy

Mentioning that BNP believes in one-China policy, Mirza Fakhrul said, "We have never deviated from one-China policy. A Taiwanese trade center was opened here (in Dhaka) for a few days. Then it was removed. We believe in one-China policy. We have told you this repeatedly."

"China is interested enough that we maintain good relations with our neighbors," he said.

Fakhrul stated that the BNP advocated for Chinese cooperation that prioritises the rights of the Bangladeshi people while upholding mutual interests. 

Additionally, the Chinese Communist Party proposed, and the BNP accepted, a two-year political memorandum of understanding.

On Saturday (28 June), a nine-member high-level delegation of the BNP, led by Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, returned home from China after a five-day visit. During their trip, they held formal meetings with senior CPC leaders.

The BNP delegation also visited the Museum of the Communist Party, the Great Wall, and several development sites including China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation in Beijing, a Smart City and Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone in Xi'an, Xi'an Jiaotong University, and a village in Shaanxi Province.

The eight other BNP delegation members are BNP Standing Committee members Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Begum Selima Rahman; chairperson's advisers Zahir Uddin Swapan, Ismail Zabiullah, Sukomal Barua; the party's media cell convener Moudud Hossain Alamgir Pavel; and BNP Chairperson's Personal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar.