Noting that the story of Bangladesh-China relations extends far beyond the fifty years of formal diplomatic ties, scholars from both countries at a book launching-cum-seminar have said the next fifty years promise even greater opportunities for both nations and for the wider region with vision, patience, and continued cooperation.
Ahead of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s scheduled visit to China later this month, the experts highlighted that understanding history is essential for shaping the future and that the friendship between Bangladesh and China, nurtured over generations, remains a bridge connecting civilizations, economies, and people.
The event marking the formal launching of a book titled “50 Years of Bangladesh-China Relations: Achievements, Challenges & Prospects” was held in city’s Baridhara on Friday evening as part of the Cosmos Dialogue hosted by Cosmos Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Cosmos Group.
The seminar was chaired by renowned scholar and Cosmos Foundation President Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury while Catherine Grace Gardner Khan made the formal announcement of the event with her brief remarks.
The book is co-edited by Cosmos Foundation Chairman Enayetullah Khan and Professor Imtiaz Ahmed.
Apart from the Chinese scholars, Air Vice Marshal (retd) Altaf Hossain Chowdhury, MP, distinguished fellow of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) and eminent economist Debapriya Bhattacharya, Barrister Ahmad Bin Quasem Arman, MP, Chargé d'Affaires of the High Commission of Singapore in Dhaka Mitchel Lee, Cultural Counsellor at the Embassy of China Li Shaopeng, Executive Member (Planning and Development) of the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) Major General (Retd) Md Nazrul Islam, Director General of the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies Major General A S M Ridwanur Rahman, Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh (CEAB) President Han Kun, and former Deputy Press Secretary of the interim government Abul Kalam Azad Majumder were also present.
Highlighting the all-weather friendship and strategic partnership that exists between Bangladesh and China, Dr Iftekhar said these are likely to be strengthened during the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
He said Chinese investments are most certain to be welcome and that Bangladesh will need to ensure that non-tariff barriers are addressed and administrative procedures are eased.
Dr Iftekhar highlighted that projects should entail skill transfer, good governance, efficient management, timely completion, and compliance with environmental sustainability.
“Looking ahead, this anniversary offers opportunities to widen people-to-people exchanges, trade diversification, and strategic partnership,” said Enayetullah Khan.
He said that as Bangladesh pursues its own developmental goals, the relationship with China is likely to remain pivotal in shaping the regions and the world’s geopolitical landscape.
Talking about Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s planned official visit later this month, Khan said the visit will mark an important milestone in the continued strengthening of Bangladesh-China relations.
Diplomats, scholars, and policymakers talked about the remarkable milestone—the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and China—as the new book examined the past, present, and future of one of Bangladesh's most important bilateral partnerships.
The event began with reflections on the extraordinary journey shared by the two nations. Speakers recalled how Bangladesh and China had transformed a relationship that once generated just one billion dollars in trade into a partnership now worth nearly twenty-four billion dollars.
They emphasized that the friendship was built on mutual trust, respect, and a shared commitment to development.
The speakers noted that historical exchanges between the peoples of Bengal and China date back centuries through trade, cultural interactions, and the travels of scholars and monks.
These ancient connections laid the foundation for the modern partnership that continues to flourish today, they observed.
The speakers discussed the upcoming official visit of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to China, as the two countries eye new investment agreements, infrastructure projects, and economic initiatives that are expected to strengthen cooperation further.
Plans for the modernization of Mongla Port, the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project, and discussions on a future Free Trade Agreement were seen as important steps toward shared prosperity.
The co-editors of the newly launched book reflected on the collaborative effort behind the publication.
Bringing together eighteen scholars from Bangladesh and China, the initiative demonstrated the value of joint research and intellectual exchange.
The contributors explored subjects ranging from education and healthcare to artificial intelligence, green growth, and future industries.
The book contains comments from Ambassador Li Jiming, Ambassador Farooq Sobhan, and Professor Wang Jian.
The contributors to the book are Enayetullah Khan, Prof Imtiaz Ahmed, Yang Hui, Prof Amena Mohsin, Chen Songtao, Syed Shahnawaz Mohsin, Mahmud Hussain, Wang Zhen and Jin Qi'dong; Cui Rongwei, MM Akash, Cheng Min, Guo Na and Fu Hongai; FM Arafat and Humayun Kabir, Li Hongmei, and Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury.
Speaking at the seminar, Prof Imtiaz hoped that the book will attract the attention of academics, policymakers, and researchers—both in Bangladesh and China and across the wider world.
He said he believes the book will contribute meaningfully to the ongoing conversation about what a mutually enriching partnership between the two countries might look like in the decades ahead.
“So, I will request all of you to read the book. The book highlights the past, present, and future,” Prof Imtiaz said.
Dr Wang Zhen, Professor of International Studies at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences (SASS), said the two countries had enjoyed very good relations over the past 50 years and have enough confidence to move forward for another 50 years. He said the two countries can build international relations in a rational and pragmatic manner.
With many changes taking place globally, he said the world they are facing today is very different from what they were familiar with 50, 40, or even 20 years ago.
“Perhaps we can learn from history. We can do more in the future because we have lessons from history,” said Prof Zhen, noting that China has many new plans for the future.
Ambassador (Retd) Tariq Karim said that in the emerging world order, a new international framework is gradually taking shape, and China will undoubtedly be one of the key architects and principal actors within that framework, alongside several other major powers.
It is within this evolving global landscape that Bangladesh must carefully position itself, he said, noting that Bangladesh is not merely a modern state; it is the inheritor of a rich civilizational legacy.
While it is a relatively young state in the contemporary community of nations, its historical and cultural roots extend far beyond its years of independence, said the former diplomat, adding that understanding and drawing strength from that heritage will be essential as the country navigates the future.
Prof Amena Mohsin said this volume is not merely a reflection on the past and present of Bangladesh-China relations; it is a forward-looking work that offers valuable policy insights and recommendations for the future.
She said her research on primary education revealed that Bangladesh's education system has undergone frequent changes in curriculum and priorities.
The international affairs expert said the ultimate goal of education should be to nurture creative, globally minded citizens who can think beyond borders and contribute meaningfully to an interconnected world.
