Jointly Charting a New Blueprint for China-Bangladesh Cooperation

The 13th parliamentary election of Bangladesh was successfully held on 12 February 2026. Tarique Rahman, Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), took office as the new Prime Minister. Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of China, extended sincere congratulations to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and the new government of Bangladesh. The smooth and orderly election marks a victory for democracy and for the Bangladeshi people. As Bangladesh’s friendly neighbour and comprehensive strategic cooperation partner, China attaches great importance to the development of China-Bangladesh relations and looks forward to working hand in hand with the new government under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s leadership to build on past achievements and jointly write a new chapter in bilateral ties.

A Steadfast Partner through Thick and Thin: Ever-Deepening Political Mutual Trust
Political mutual trust between China and Bangladesh has continued to grow, laying a solid foundation for the steady advancement of bilateral relations. Chief Adviser of the interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus chose China for his first bilateral visit, during which he met with President Xi Jinping in Beijing, providing important strategic guidance for the further development of the bilateral ties. In 2025, delegations from major Bangladeshi political parties visited China in succession, forging a broad consensus across Bangladeshi society on advancing China-Bangladesh friendly cooperation.
The two countries have firmly supported each other on issues concerning their respective core interests and major concerns, and maintained close coordination on multilateral platforms and international affairs to jointly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries. It is precisely this tradition of mutual respect and equality that has formed the bedrock of a relationship that remains resilient through changing circumstances.

A Powerful Engine of Mutual Benefit: Fruitful Results in Practical Cooperation
Economic and trade cooperation has long been the most dynamic engine of China-Bangladesh relations. China has remained Bangladesh’s largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years, with increasingly close economic ties between the two sides.
In the field of investment, since August 2024, more than 30 Chinese enterprises have signed investment agreements with Bangladeshi partners, with intended investment totalling nearly one billion USD, fully demonstrating Chinese companies’ strong confidence in Bangladesh’s development prospects. In trade, Bangladeshi fresh mangoes have successfully entered the Chinese market, and more high-quality Bangladeshi agricultural products will appear on the shelves of Chinese supermarkets in the future. China will also extend zero-tariff treatment for 100 per cent of taxable items for Bangladeshi exports until the end of 2028, further enhancing trade and investment liberalisation and facilitation between the two countries.
From industrial capacity cooperation to poverty alleviation initiatives, a wide range of practical cooperation projects have benefited ordinary Bangladeshi households, tangibly improving local livelihoods and making the warmth of China-Bangladesh cooperation truly felt.

A Bridge of Friendship: Ever-Closer People-to-People Bonds
The foundation of state-to-state relations lies in the affinity between peoples. The China-Bangladesh friendship is deeply rooted in our peoples. In recent years, exchanges and cooperation in education, culture, youth affairs and media have flourished, with over a hundred diverse and vibrant activities deepening mutual understanding.
Cooperation in healthcare has delivered notable highlights and tangible benefits to the Bangladeshi people. When 2,500 drones illuminated the night sky over Dhaka, and annual personnel exchanges historically surpassed 2,80,000 visits, what we witnessed was a vivid testament to our peoples becoming ever closer. This genuine friendship, grounded in mutual appreciation and increasing engagement, has become a wellspring for the continuous progress of China-Bangladesh relations.
Looking ahead, this year China has embarked on a new journey under its 15th Five-Year Plan, advancing high-quality development and high-level opening-up to bring about new opportunities for the world. Bangladesh, under the leadership of its new government, has also set new national development goals. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s vision of building a self-reliant, safe, humane and democratic Bangladesh, along with the “180-Day Action Plan”, demonstrates a firm resolve for reform and pursuit of betterment.
The prospects for China-Bangladesh cooperation are broad and promising. As a trustworthy companion for Bangladesh on its development path and a reliable partner, China stands ready to work with Bangladesh, guided by high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, to strengthen strategic alignment and foster new growth areas in trade and investment, digital economy, green energy, high-tech manufacture and agricultural technology. Through more tangible cooperation outcomes, we will better benefit our two peoples.
China is also ready to enhance mutual support with Bangladesh in regional and international affairs and actively participate in the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilisation Initiative, and the Global Governance Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping, so as to promote together the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

The writer is the Ambassador of China to Bangladesh