Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has appealed to China for assistance in resolving the protracted Rohingya crisis, which has now seen six years of influx of displaced Myanmar nationals into Bangladesh.

During a meeting with Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China, at her Parliament complex office, the Prime Minister expressed her deep concerns over the ongoing situation. "Bangladesh is now very much worried about the Rohingya crisis due to the uncertainty of a solution as there has already been six years of influx of the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals to Bangladesh,” she stated.

According to Md. Nayeemul Islam Khan, the Prime Minister's press secretary, Sheikh Hasina stressed the urgency of addressing the crisis: “It (Rohingya crisis) is very much frustrating and worrying for us.” She conveyed a personal message to be delivered to the Chinese President, emphasizing the need for an amicable solution. She urged Liu Jianchao to take an active interest in resolving the issue.

Liu Jianchao assured that China remains committed to working with Myanmar to find ways to improve the situation concerning the Rohingya. “China is committed and they are working with them on how to improve the situation,” he stated.

He acknowledged the complexities of the Rohingya issue, noting the internal conflicts within Myanmar: “Even the Myanmar government doesn’t have that position to implement any plan (regarding this issue). The civil war situation has been turned into a complex issue due to the conflicting situation (there).”

Liu also recognized the impact on Bangladesh and commended the country for its humanitarian support to the Rohingyas.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina reiterated Bangladesh's foreign policy of “friendship to all, malice to none,” a principle established by the nation’s founding father, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. She highlighted her government's commitment to the development and upliftment of the country's population, including ensuring food security, housing, education, and increased purchasing power.

Discussing her upcoming visit to China next month, Liu Jianchao noted that it would further solidify the strong bilateral relations. “This visit will further cement our relationship,” he said, expressing his admiration for Bangladesh's unprecedented development.

He added that China is keen on enhancing cooperation with Bangladesh in science, technology, innovation, and Artificial Intelligence.

Addressing global economic challenges, Liu pointed out that China's economy also faces sluggish growth, with last year’s growth at 5.2% and the first quarter of the current fiscal year at 5.3%. He emphasized the need for continued efforts from both nations. “We have to work more and so do Bangladesh,” he noted.

Reflecting on historical economic struggles, Liu mentioned that while China had previously faced similar economic slowdowns without advanced technology to address them, Bangladesh is now better positioned due to advancements in smart technology, AI, and innovation.

He emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation between the Communist Party of China and the Awami League, underscoring that regional peace and stability are crucial.

The meeting was attended by Ambassador-at-large Mohammad Ziauddin and Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah, among others.

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