42nd anniversary of diplomatic relations with china observed

Speakers at a discussion meeting in Dhaka on Sunday underscored the need for greater friendly ties with China to accelerate the pace of development by drawing heavily on her experience. The meeting was organized by the Bangladesh-China Cultural Academy to mark the 42nd anniversary of diplomatic relations between Bangladeshi and China. Prof. Emajuddin Ahmed, former VC of Dhaka University was the chief guest at the discussion meeting which was also addressed by former member of caretaker government Maj Gen Ruhul Alam Chowdhury, Prof. Sukomol Barua of Dhaka University, Mostafa Kamal Majumder, editor, GreenWatch Dhaka, Khairul Kabir Khokan and Shamimur Rahman Shamim of the BNP as special guests BNP with Salman Rahman Rubel, president of the academy in the chair.
Prof Emajuddin Ahmed said Bangladesh should develop relations with China in her own interest. Even in the early nineties, China had the largest concentration of illiterate and poor people. They developed education and this led to awareness and confidence are now the most prosperous country in the world, he said.
China went for environmentally friendly development and solar energy in just ten years they have emerged as world’s No one economic power, he said. China never left Pakistan despite the commission of many mistakes by the latter. Neighbour cannot be changed, but we can choose better friends, Prof. Emajuddin said adding that Bangladesh’s politicians should demonstrate statesmanlike leadership in order to have a closer relationship with China.
Former adviser of Caretaker Government Maj Gen Ruhul Alam Chowdhury said Bangladesh relies heavily on China to equip her armed forces. China has developed tremendously in technology.
Gen Chowdhury said relations with China could have been better if a Taiwan trade office was not opened in Bangladesh during the last BNP rule and if China was allowed to build a deep sea port. He noted people to people relations that are increasing. This will lead to better relations at the government level, he added. Dr Kazi Moniruzzaman also spoke at the function moderated by Humayun Kabir Bepari.
Prof. Sukomal Barua of Dhaka University said Bangladesh’s relations with China date back to olden times. This land attracted people from different parts of the world who wrote travelogues. Bangladesh was the most prosperous area in India at that time and attracted travellers more. Chinese traveller Huen Tsang was among those.
The people of China love the people of Bangladesh, he said. The Chinese invited the son of our soil Atish Dipankar and were enriched by his wisdom. During the role of Ziaur Rahman Bangladesh brought the ash of Atish Dipankar from China and laid the foundation of bilateral relations. India is definitely our close friend. But we should develop relations with Buddhist countries located around us.
China believes in the doctrine of work. We should be with the one belt one road initiative, he added. – GreenWatch Dhaka News Desk