PM seeks more Chinese cooperation to smoothen Bangladesh's development journey

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday sought more Chinese cooperation to expedite Bangladesh's development journey as she called China one of the largest development and strategic partners of her country.

"China can cooperate further than in the past to smooth our development journey," she said as the Chinese Communist Party's Vice-Minister of the International Department of the central committee Sun Haiyan called on her at her official residence Ganabhaban in Dhaka.

PM's Speechwriter M Nazrul Islam briefed newsmen after the meeting.

During the courtesy meeting, Sun Haiyan conveyed her country's President Xi Jinping's greeting to Sheikh Hasina on her re-election as prime minister.

"Xi was confident in Sheikh Hasina's re-election as prime minister, as she was committed to changing the fate of the people and her patriotism towards the country and its people," Sun Haiyan said.

She also congratulated Sheikh Hasina on behalf of the Chinese government and the Communist Party of China (CPC).

Sun Haiyan, as well, greeted Sheikh Hasina's only daughter Saima Wazed on her election as the regional director of the World Health Organisation (WHO).

"Saima Wazed will play a great role in containing autism globally," she hoped.

She also expressed her optimism that the activities of Sheikh Hasina will continue for the socio-economic development of Bangladesh and quicken its transformation into a prosperous and developed country.

To this end, the Chinese vice minister referred to her several visits to Bangladesh since 1991.

"I have witnessed a tremendous and unbelievable development of Bangladesh and efforts to upgrade the living standard of the people (during the period)," she said.

In reply, the premier said the massive development has taken place as she successfully infused confidence in countrymen that "we can do."

Sheikh Hasina also focused on the continuation of her government for a longer period, saying the consistency of her government helped implement plans to develop Bangladesh socio-economically.

She suggested Sun Haiyan visit the rural areas to see the "real change" in Bangladesh.

The Chinese vice minister also stressed the need for enhancing collaboration between China and Bangladesh.

During the meeting, Sheikh Hasina said her government has been working to accomplish the unfinished tasks of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and this is the time to change the lot of the countrymen by giving them an improved and better life.

She also sought Chinese cooperation to this end.

The Chinese vice minister also put importance on strengthening relations between the CPC and Awami League by enhancing the increasing programmes.

Ambassador-at-Large M Ziauddin and PM's Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah were present