PM Hasina seeks Chinese help in dev of Southern Bangladesh

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has sought Chinese cooperation for the development of the southern region of the country.

"I want China to help Bangladesh for the further economic development of the region," she told the Chinese Ambassador in Dhaka Yao Wen after he called on her at her official residence Ganabhaban on Wednesday (3 April).

After the meeting, PM's speech writer M Nazrul Islam told reporters that Hasina told the envoy that the country's southern region has long been neglected.

"No government except the Awami League has taken any effective step for the development of this area," she was quoted as telling the envoy.

The premier said direct road communication has already been established with this region through the Padma Bridge.

In response, the Chinese envoy requested the prime minister to place specific development proposals.

Nazrul said the prime minister also accepted an invitation to visit China this July.

Hasina said that China is the great development partner of Bangladesh. "The cooperation which is going on between the two countries will be strengthened in the coming days," she said.

PM Hasina mentioned that the southern part of Bangladesh is the most vulnerable area of the country. There are some big rivers in this area and the impact of climate change is much bigger in this area.

"We are now giving priority to the development of this area," she said.

Talking about the last election, she said that it was a challenging one from various aspects.

"We have overcome that and hold a peaceful election. We have formed a sustainable government and there is a stable situation prevailing in the country," she said.

Sheikh Hasina said that her government wants to take forward the development momentum of the country.

She hoped that as a trusted friend and development partner, China would help Bangladesh.

The envoy said that China will support Bangladesh to materialise the unfinished works of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman which is being implemented by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

"China will remain beside Bangladesh to implement Sheikh Hasina's Vision to make Smart Bangladesh by 2041," he said.

Referring to the PM's upcoming visit to China in July, the envoy said that it is expected that the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and China, especially trade, investment, and people-to-people contact will reach a new height.

He also requested the prime minister to use Bangladesh Biman's Dhaka-Beijing maiden flight for her upcoming visit to inaugurate the route.

He said that China wants to invest and help Bangladesh in agriculture, green energy, ICT and manufacturing sectors.

The Chinese envoy expressed his country's interest in making a partnership to build metro rail in Bangladesh. China is interested in importing more mango, jute and jute products and leather products from Bangladesh.

The envoy showed more interest in providing training for youths, young leaders, women leaders and government officials of Bangladesh.

He said that the cooperation between the Awami League and the Communist Party of China will be strengthened.

The Chinese envoy praised Hasina's leadership saying, "You are not only the leader of Bangladesh, but also the world leader."

Regarding the Rohingya issue, he said that China is working on the repatriation issue.