Opposition Leader in Jatiya Sangshad and Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Tuesday urged China to play a more active role in ensuring the safe, voluntary and sustainable repatriation of Rohingyas who were forcibly displaced from Myanmar and are now sheltering in Bangladesh.
He made the appeal during a courtesy meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen at the Opposition Leader's official residence at Mintoo Road in Dhaka.
The opposition leader and the Chinese envoy held wide-ranging discussions on issues of mutual interest, expressing satisfaction over the steady growth of Bangladesh-China relations and optimism that cooperation in trade, investment, diplomacy, politics and economic development would continue to deepen.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation for mutual development and shared prosperity.
During the meeting, discussions covered the proposed Teesta Barrage Mega Project, the China-Myanmar-Bangladesh Economic Corridor (CMBC), as well as ongoing and proposed Chinese investment projects in Bangladesh.
Dr Shafiqur urged the Chinese government to play a constructive role in helping resolve the Rohingya crisis through the early repatriation of displaced Rohingyas to their homeland in Myanmar.
They noted that the longstanding friendship between Bangladesh and China has significantly contributed to expanding bilateral trade, promoting development cooperation, strengthening diplomatic ties and enhancing cultural exchanges. They expressed confidence that the partnership would continue to broaden in the years ahead.
Also present at the meeting were Zhang Jing, Director of the Political Section of the Chinese Embassy; Ru Qi, Political Attaché; Barrister Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem Arman, Foreign Affairs Adviser to the Opposition Leader; and Ali Ahmad Mabroor, a member of the Opposition Leader's Foreign Affairs Advisory Committee.
