Experts See New Opportunities in Bangladesh–China Relations After PM's Visit

Academics, policy experts hail PM's China visit as milestone for Bangladesh's development

Academics and policy experts have described Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s recent visit to China as a significant milestone that could open new avenues for Bangladesh’s national development and deepen bilateral cooperation.

The observations came during a virtual webinar titled “The Future of Bangladesh–China Relations: Insights from the Prime Minister's China Visit,” organised by the Association of Bangladesh-China Alumni (ABCA) on Saturday.

Addressing the event as chief guest, Jahangirnagar University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan highlighted the longstanding friendship and mutual trust between Bangladesh and China.

“China has always been one of our oldest and closest friends. We have a long history of warm relations,” he said.

He noted that the Prime Minister’s visit presents fresh opportunities to strengthen economic cooperation, trade, investment, infrastructure development and people-to-people exchanges. He also stressed the importance of pursuing balanced diplomacy guided by the principle of “Bangladesh First.”

The webinar was chaired by Prof Dr M Mainul Islam, former dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Dhaka and vice-president of ABCA. It was moderated by ABCA General Secretary Prof Dr Md Shahabul Haque, while Joint Secretary Dr Md Abu Kausar Shapon delivered the welcome address.

The keynote presentation was delivered by Prof Dr Md Nazrul Islam, chairman of the Department of Political Studies at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology.

Among the speakers were Dr Yang Hui, director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Dhaka; Prof Dr Md Rakibul Hoque, director of the Centre for China Studies at the University of Dhaka; and Prof Dr M Jashim Uddin, director of the Center for Peace Studies at North South University.

The speakers agreed that the outcomes of the Prime Minister’s China visit should be viewed as a national achievement rather than a political one and utilised to advance sustainable development while maintaining Bangladesh’s independent foreign policy.

The webinar concluded with a shared call for mutual respect, balanced diplomacy and stronger Bangladesh–China cooperation to support the country's long-term prosperity.