Bangladesh on Friday (March 28, 2025) welcomed China’s participation in the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project. The assurance was communicated during Chief Advisor Prof. Mohammed Yunus’s ongoing visit to China, highlighting the strengthening ties between the two nations.
The two sides also signed an agreement on the exchange of hydrological information regarding the Yarlung Zangbo-Jamuna (Brahmaputra) River, aiming to enhance collaboration on water resource management. Additionally, in a joint statement issued after official discussions, both countries announced their agreement to initiate discussions for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) “at an early date.”
The Joint Statement underscored the commitment of Bangladesh and China to promoting high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, enhancing international industrial and supply chain cooperation, and working together towards modernization in both countries. Bangladesh reaffirmed its support for the “One-China policy,” asserting that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory.
During his visit, Prof. Yunus addressed the Boao Forum annual meeting in Hainan and met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Additionally, he engaged with Chinese traders and investors in a high-level roundtable discussion at the Presidential Hotel in Beijing, fostering greater economic collaboration.
Bangladesh has welcomed Chinese companies to participate in the Mongla Port Facilities Modernization and Expansion Project, further boosting economic ties. Both sides also expressed readiness to continue developing the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ) in Chittagong. To enhance investment flows, discussions on optimizing the China-Bangladesh Investment Agreement are set to commence.
As 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and China, both nations committed to deepening exchanges in culture, tourism, media, education, healthcare, and youth programs. Additionally, the two countries agreed to enhance cooperation in the blue economy, with plans to hold a new round of Dialogue on Maritime Cooperation at a suitable time.
Bangladesh also extended appreciation to China for its facilitation of medical treatments for Bangladeshi patients in Yunnan province. In turn, China reiterated its principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations and affirmed its respect for Bangladesh’s sovereignty and development path.
Acknowledging China’s role in peace-building efforts in Myanmar, Bangladesh appreciated China’s continued diplomatic efforts. Moreover, China assured Bangladesh of its commitment to supporting the repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar “to the best of its capabilities.”
Both nations expressed their commitment to advocating an “equal and orderly multi-polar world” and deepening cooperation on global and regional issues. This visit marks the first bilateral trip by Prof. Yunus since assuming office as Chief Advisor on August 8, 2024, setting the stage for enhanced Bangladesh-China relations in the years to come.
During his visit, Bangladesh interim government Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus received an honorary doctorate degree from Peking University (PKU) in Beijing. The honorary doctorate was conferred on him at a ceremony held at the university conference hall, where he also delivered a lecture. Chair of the Peking University Council He Guangcai was present on the occasion, among others.
After wrapping up his four-day visit to China, Prof. Yunus is expected to return home this evening.
