BD to regain "normalcy, stability, unity, prosperity" soon: Chinese envoy

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, expressed confidence that Bangladesh will soon return to a path of "normalcy, stability, unity, development, and prosperity" through the joint efforts of all stakeholders, under the leadership of the interim government headed by Professor Muhammad Yunus.

China, the envoy assured, stands ready to offer any support requested by Bangladesh during this transitional period.

"We see tremendous potential for cooperation between our two countries, and there are many projects we can undertake together," Ambassador Yao told reporters after a meeting with Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer, Shafiqur Rahman, on Monday.

The ambassador emphasized that China would not interfere in the internal affairs of any country, and recent developments in Bangladesh would not affect the strong relationship between Dhaka and Beijing.

"This is Bangladesh's internal matter, and we fully respect the decisions made by the people of Bangladesh. China remains respectful towards Bangladesh and its sovereignty," Yao stated when asked about the interim government's reform agenda and timeline.

Ambassador Yao reiterated China's commitment to supporting Bangladesh, its people, and the interim government led by Professor Yunus.

"It has been a very important day," he said, highlighting the constructive and positive discussions he had with Jamaat's leadership.

Yao noted that Jamaat-e-Islami had previously maintained strong ties with China's leadership and the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka. "However, those relations were impacted over the past 13 years," he added.

"Now, we believe it is time to rekindle our close ties and restart dialogue and cooperation. We discussed future collaboration between the parties and our two countries," he said.

The ambassador also acknowledged Jamaat's support for strengthening China-Bangladesh relations, including attracting more Chinese investment into Bangladesh.

On the Rohingya issue, Yao reaffirmed China's commitment to facilitating the repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar. He pledged to work closely with all stakeholders in Bangladesh, including Jamaat, to ensure an early resolution to the crisis.

"Bangladesh is at a historical crossroads at this moment," Yao remarked, underscoring China's dedication to deepening exchanges and cooperation with the interim government, all political parties, and various sectors in Bangladesh to strengthen the traditional friendship between the two nations.

China, he added, is committed to advancing the Bangladesh-China Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership to benefit both countries and their peoples.

The Chinese Embassy in Dhaka noted that the meeting featured in-depth discussions on China-Bangladesh relations, inter-party exchanges, and other issues of mutual interest.

"It's been a very good meeting, and we look forward to increased cooperation with Jamaat," Ambassador Yao said.

In response, Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman praised China's significant contributions to Bangladesh's economic and social development. He reaffirmed Jamaat's firm support for the One-China Principle and expressed his willingness to strengthen cooperation between the two parties and countries.