From 25 February to 6 March, at the invitation of the International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee (IDCPC), a 21-member delegation from Bangladesh—including representatives from political parties, student leaders, scholars, and journalists — visited China. This marked the first occasion on which China extended an official invitation to a large, cross-sectoral Bangladeshi delegation, an event that has been described as a significant diplomatic milestone in China-Bangladesh relations.
Several delegation members informed the Global Times that the visit allowed them to gain firsthand insight into China’s development. They were particularly impressed by China’s advancements in technology and infrastructure.
Given Bangladesh’s ongoing political transitions and socio-economic challenges, they expressed the belief that maintaining stable cooperation with China—particularly under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)—would contribute to a more stable and prosperous future for the country.
During the visit, Sun Haiyan, Vice Minister of the IDCPC, held a meeting with the delegation. The group visited three locations—Beijing, Shaanxi, and Yunnan—where they toured Chinese companies such as BYD, LONGi, and iFlytek, in addition to the Yangling Modern Agriculture Demonstration Park Innovation Zone. They also travelled to a village in Menghai County, Yunnan, to observe grassroots governance and rural industrial development, according to the Global Times.
The visit followed discussions in January between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Touhid Hossain, Adviser for Foreign Affairs in Bangladesh’s Interim Government, as reported by Xinhua.
“The people of China and Bangladesh have been trusted friends for generations, and this friendship has only strengthened over the years,” stated Abdul Moyeen Khan, head of the delegation and a member of the National Standing Committee of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, in an interview with the Global Times. He described the visit as a continuation of this longstanding bond.
Bangladesh has experienced significant political shifts in recent months, making this visit particularly significant for both nations, Khan observed.
Although the country still faces uncertainties, Khan expressed confidence that China-Bangladesh relations would remain strong, given their foundation in people-to-people ties and mutual benefit. He further stressed that, given the complex regional dynamics, Bangladesh would continue to pursue a balanced diplomatic approach, with stable cooperation with China serving as a key pillar of its strategy.
Khan also noted that Bangladesh is undergoing a process of national transformation, with many of its development aspirations aligning closely with the concept of Chinese modernisation. He expressed hope that China would continue to support Bangladesh’s progress.
Ali Ahsan Zonaed, a student leader from Bangladesh, told the Global Times that throughout the visit, he and other delegation members explored numerous high-tech enterprises in China, including those in artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, solar energy, and agricultural technology. He was deeply impressed by China’s economic and technological progress. “It was an incredible journey. I believe the knowledge I have gained about these technologies will help me understand how to utilise them in my own country,” he remarked.
Zonaed was particularly struck by the extent of China’s modernisation.
“What inspired me most was the dream that the Chinese people have,” he said, highlighting their energy and dedication to their country. This, in turn, motivated him to dream of a better future for Bangladesh and to contribute towards its development.
He also pointed out that young people in Bangladesh generally hold a positive view of China, regarding it as a close ally. He emphasised that Bangladesh’s younger generation believes that all nations, irrespective of size, should be treated as equal partners and that no country should impose its will on Bangladesh.
In this context, he noted that China’s policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations is particularly valued by young Bangladeshis. He urged other major powers to follow China’s example and treat Bangladesh with equal respect.
Lailufar Yasmin, a professor in the Department of International Relations at the University of Dhaka and a member of the delegation, told the Global Times that the visit provided different political parties and groups in Bangladesh with a broader understanding of China.
She explained that the trip enabled future policymakers to gain deeper insights into China’s development and transformation, offering valuable lessons for Bangladesh.
Discussing Bangladesh’s future and the trajectory of China-Bangladesh relations, she stressed that regardless of how the country’s political landscape evolves, Bangladesh must ensure political stability to drive economic growth. She argued that the future government should continue strengthening economic agreements with China, particularly in relation to the numerous projects under the BRI.
“The BRI is not merely about China extending its reach to other nations—it also plays a crucial role in stabilising the international economic environment,” Yasmin said, noting that the initiative has significantly benefited Bangladesh in recent years by creating economic opportunities.
She also suggested that Bangladesh should encourage more Chinese enterprises to establish a presence in the country. Given Bangladesh’s demographic advantage and China’s growing focus on international expansion, increased cooperation could provide Chinese businesses with a stable and well-connected overseas production base while also helping to address Bangladesh’s employment challenges.
“The relationship between Bangladesh and China is not shaped or influenced by external parties or global political changes, as both countries have a vested interest in mutual growth and continued collaboration,” Yasmin added.
Khan further stated that people across all sectors in Bangladesh are eager to establish a stable, democratically elected government as soon as possible and to deepen cooperation with China on this foundation.
The country has long viewed the BRI as a crucial bridge between Bangladesh and China, he said, adding that strengthening this collaboration would not only benefit major enterprises but also support small and medium-sized businesses, as well as ordinary citizens. He expressed hope that the BRI would eventually lead to the creation of a new economic corridor between China and Bangladesh, facilitating greater regional connectivity in South Asia.
Zonaed observed that Bangladesh is currently engaged in rebuilding the nation and revitalising its economy—an endeavour that, while challenging, is one in which young people will play an active role. He believes that, despite the differences in national circumstances, Bangladesh can still draw valuable lessons from China’s development experience.
He concluded that cooperation with China—particularly in the fields of technology and innovation—would be instrumental in addressing Bangladesh’s current economic challenges.