Highlighting that the historical narrative of Bangladesh-China relations extends far beyond five decades of formal diplomatic ties, leading scholars and policymakers from both nations have asserted that the next 50 years promise even greater strategic and economic opportunities for the wider region through vision, patience, and continued cooperation.
The observation came at a high-profile book launching-cum-seminar held in the capital’s Baridhara on Friday evening.
The event marked the formal publication of the book titled “50 Years of Bangladesh-China Relations: Achievements, Challenges & Prospects,” co-edited by Cosmos Foundation Chairman Enayetullah Khan and Professor Imtiaz Ahmed.
The seminar, held as part of the Cosmos Dialogue, was hosted by the Cosmos Foundation—the philanthropic arm of the Cosmos Group—and chaired by renowned scholar and Cosmos Foundation President Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury. Catherine Grace Gardner Khan opened the event with brief formal remarks.
The timing of the dialogue carries significant diplomatic weight, coming directly ahead of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s scheduled official visit to China later this month.
Experts at the event highlighted that understanding historical ties is essential for shaping future cooperation, noting that the generational friendship between Bangladesh and China remains a vital bridge connecting civilizations, economies, and people.
In his chairing remarks, Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury highlighted the "all-weather friendship" and strategic partnership existing between Dhaka and Beijing, projecting that these ties are poised to strengthen during Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's upcoming trip.
He noted that while Chinese investments will undoubtedly be welcomed, Bangladesh must proactively ensure that non-tariff barriers are addressed and administrative procedures are eased.
Dr. Iftekhar further emphasized that future collaborative initiatives should strictly entail "skill transfer, good governance, efficient management, timely completion, and compliance with environmental sustainability."
Echoing this forward-looking outlook, Cosmos Foundation Chairman Enayetullah Khan remarked: “Looking ahead, this anniversary offers opportunities to widen people-to-people exchanges, trade diversification, and strategic partnership.”
He further noted that as Bangladesh aggressively pursues its sovereign developmental goals, its relationship with China will remain pivotal in shaping the region’s and the world’s geopolitical landscape.
Commenting on the upcoming high-level state visit, Khan added that the Prime Minister's trip will mark an important milestone in the continued strengthening of bilateral relations.
During the session, diplomats, scholars, and policymakers reflected on the extraordinary journey shared by the two nations, recalling how Bangladesh and China transformed a relationship that once generated just one billion dollars in trade into a massive partnership now worth nearly twenty-four billion dollars.
They emphasized that this modern friendship was built on mutual trust, respect, and a shared commitment to development, rooted deeply in centuries-old trade, cultural interactions, and the travels of ancient scholars and monks across Bengal and China.
Looking ahead to the Prime Minister’s upcoming official interactions in Beijing, speakers detailed that the two countries are eyeing new investment agreements, infrastructure projects, and economic initiatives. Key bilateral agendas on the horizon include:
Plans for the modernization of Mongla Port.
The execution of the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project.
High-level discussions toward signing a future Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to ensure shared regional prosperity.
The newly launched volume brought together 18 distinguished scholars from both nations, exploring subjects ranging from education and healthcare to artificial intelligence, green growth, and future industries.
The book features expert commentary from Ambassador Li Jiming, Ambassador Farooq Sobhan, and Professor Wang Jian, with contributions from a stellar academic lineup including Enayetullah Khan, Prof. Imtiaz Ahmed, Yang Hui, Prof. Amena Mohsin, Chen Songtao, Syed Shahnawaz Mohsin, Mahmud Hussain, Wang Zhen, Jin Qi'dong, Cui Rongwei, MM Akash, Cheng Min, Guo Na, Fu Hongai, FM Arafat, Humayun Kabir, and Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury.
Speaking at the seminar, co-editor Prof. Imtiaz Ahmed hoped the publication would attract global academic and policymaking attention.
“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), stated that both nations possess enough confidence to move forward successfully for another 50 years by building international relations in a rational and pragmatic manner. Pointing out rapid global shifts, Prof. Zhen noted: “Perhaps we can learn from history. We can do more in the future because we have lessons from history.”
Highlighting Bangladesh's positioning in the changing global dynamics, former diplomat Ambassador (Retd) Tariq Karim observed that in the emerging world order, a new international framework is taking shape, and China will undoubtedly be one of its key architects and principal actors alongside other major powers.
He noted that Bangladesh, as an inheritor of a rich civilizational legacy rather than merely a modern state, must draw strength from its cultural roots to successfully navigate this evolving global landscape.
Concluding the academic insights, International Affairs Expert Prof. Amena Mohsin noted that the volume functions as a forward-looking work offering valuable policy recommendations.
Sharing findings from her primary education research, which revealed frequent curriculum and priority changes within Bangladesh's domestic education system, she asserted that the ultimate goal of modern education should be to nurture creative, globally minded citizens who can think beyond borders and contribute meaningfully to an interconnected world.
A distinguished cohort of policymakers and dignitaries attended the seminar, including Air Vice Marshal (retd) Altaf Hossain Chowdhury, MP; eminent economist and Distinguished Fellow of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) 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 of the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) Major General (Retd) Md Nazrul Islam; Director General of the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) Major General A S M Ridwanur Rahman; Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh (CEAB) President Han Kun; and former Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder.
With Inputs from UNB
