To commemorate 50 years of diplomatic ties between Bangladesh and China, both nations have expressed interest in implementing various programs. Bangladesh has proposed 24 initiatives to China in this regard.
These proposals could be approved upon mutual agreement.
Foreign Affairs Advisor M. Touhid Hossain is set to visit Beijing on Monday, January 20. During his visit, he is scheduled to meet with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on January 21. During the meeting, Bangladesh will present its list of 24 proposals to China.
The proposals include organizing high-level exchanges, cultural programs, exhibitions, and sports events. Meanwhile, China has invited Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus to visit in March. The trip could coincide with the Boao Forum for Asia, to be held in Beijing on March 27–28, as China has extended an invitation to this event. Discussions during the visit may finalize this matter.
The 24 proposals from Bangladesh to China are as follows:
- Exchange of high-level visits, including those by foreign ministers, advisors, and other senior officials.
- Visits by young leaders from Bangladesh to China and vice versa.
- Exchange visits by intellectuals and members of civil societies from both countries.
- Exchange visits by media and think tank representatives from both nations.
- Exchange visits by sports teams between Bangladesh and China.
- Enhancing collaboration between Bangladeshi and Chinese universities.
- Signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for Bangladeshi patients to receive treatment in Chinese hospitals.
- Establishing cultural centers in each other’s capitals.
- Sister city agreements between cities in Bangladesh and China.
- Cultural exhibitions in Beijing, Shanghai, and Kunming, and cultural group tours from Bangladesh to China.
- Organizing events at the Bangla departments of Chinese universities.
- Joint issuance of commemorative postage stamps and envelopes on October 4 in both Dhaka and Beijing.
- Hosting a symposium in Dhaka to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties.
- Sending the Bangladeshi national women’s cricket team to China for a friendly match with the Chinese women’s cricket team.
- Organizing food festivals in Beijing, Kunming, Shanghai, and Hong Kong.
- Publishing special supplements in China Daily or other Chinese newspapers on October 4, marking the 50th anniversary of relations.
- Hosting a Bangladeshi film festival in China.
- Organizing a traditional boat race on the Meghna/Padma rivers.
- Co-hosting a kite festival in Dhaka in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy.
- Arranging a Bangladeshi music festival in Beijing and Hong Kong.
- Organizing single-country trade fairs in Beijing and Shanghai.
- Holding trade exhibitions in Kunming and Shanghai.
- Inviting Chinese investors and young business leaders to Bangladesh.
- Hosting a Bangladesh Investment Seminar in Shanghai to attract Chinese investment.
These initiatives aim to strengthen bilateral ties, enhance cultural and economic exchanges, and celebrate the milestone anniversary.
