Chinese Ambassador in Dhaka Yao Wen has voiced firm confidence in an “ever brighter” future for Bangladesh-China relations, saying no challenge could impede the advancement of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
“The China-Bangladesh friendship serves the fundamental interests of both countries and both peoples and conforms to the trend of the times; no storm can hold back the forward march of our relations,” he said.
The ambassador was addressing a reception in Dhaka on Wednesday evening celebrating the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan attended the reception as chief guest.
Ministers, senior political leaders from the ruling and opposition parties, senior government officials, diplomats stationed in Dhaka, business leaders, civil society representatives and senior journalists attended the event.
Yao, who is set to leave Bangladesh early next month after serving here for nearly four years, used the occasion to reflect on the transformation he witnessed in Bangladesh and the evolution of bilateral relations during his tenure.
“Looking back fills me with deep emotion. I have served in Bangladesh for three years and nine months, and I will bid farewell to this post in a few days,” he said.
“As I prepare to leave, my heart is filled with profound attachment and reluctance to part,” the ambassador added.
Yao said he had personally witnessed Bangladesh’s political transformation and what he described as the country’s “historic choices” at a critical juncture.
He expressed admiration for the resilience and national dignity demonstrated by the Bangladeshi people and said the country had embarked on a new path of reform and development under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
The envoy particularly highlighted the potential of Bangladesh’s younger generation.
“Over the past three years, I have walked through the streets and alleys of Dhaka, and what impressed me most is the optimism and drive of Bangladesh’s young people,” he said.
Describing young people as a nation’s “most precious treasure” and its future, Yao said: “I am fully confident in a bright tomorrow of Bangladesh.”
The ambassador said his interactions with Bangladeshis during his tenure had given him a first-hand experience of the friendship between the peoples of the two countries.
“Wherever I went, the warm greetings and sincere smiles made me feel the heartfelt friendship of the Bangladeshi people toward the Chinese people,” he said.
Yao said the friendships he had developed during his posting in Bangladesh would remain with him after his departure.
“May the China-Bangladesh friendship remain evergreen forever! May both our countries enjoy prosperity and our peoples happiness and well-being!” he said.
The ambassador noted that 2026 marks the 51st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and China as well as the 10th anniversary of bilateral cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.
The year also marks the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, he said.
Yao reiterated Beijing’s support for Bangladesh in safeguarding its national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, while opposing external interference and supporting Dhaka in playing a greater role in regional and international affairs.
The ambassador also highlighted Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s first official visit to China since assuming office.
During the June visit, Bangladesh and China agreed to elevate their Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and jointly build a “China-Bangladesh Community with a Shared Future in the New Era,” according to the Chinese side.
Yao said the development injected fresh momentum into the long-term advancement of bilateral relations.
Beijing has also said it wants to deepen practical cooperation with Bangladesh in trade and investment, infrastructure, agriculture, the digital economy and green energy while strengthening coordination in regional and international affairs.
“China-Bangladesh relations are now at their best in history,” Yao said, expressing confidence that bilateral friendship and cooperation would continue to broaden in the years ahead.