The Association of Bangladesh-China Alumni (ABCA) hosted a virtual webinar on Saturday titled ‘The Future of Bangladesh–China Relations: Insights from the Prime Minister's China Visit,’ bringing together academics and policy experts to analyse the outcomes of the recent diplomatic engagement.
Delivering the chief guest's address, Professor Dr Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan, vice-chancellor of Jahangirnagar University, emphasised that the Bangladesh-China friendship is rooted in decades of mutual trust, stating,
"China has always been one of our oldest and closest friends. We have a long history of warm relations," he said. The VC described the prime minister's visit as a new opportunity for Bangladesh, capable of expanding economic cooperation, trade, investment, infrastructure development, and people-to-people connectivity, while stressing the importance of balanced diplomacy and the "Bangladesh First" principle.
The keynote presentation was delivered by Professor Dr Md Nazrul Islam, chairman of the Department of Political Studies at Shahjalal University of Science & Technology.
Three designated speakers—Dr. Yang Hui, director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Dhaka; Professor Dr Md Rakibul Hoque, director of the Centre for China Studies at the University of Dhaka; and Professor Dr M Jashim Uddin, director of the Center for Peace Studies at North South University—shared their expert insights, unanimously agreeing that the visit’s outcomes belong to the nation rather than any political party and should be leveraged for sustainable national development while preserving an independent foreign policy.
Professor Dr Md. Shahabul Haque, general secretary of ABCA, who moderated the session, while Professor Dr M Mainul Islam, former dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at Dhaka University and Vice-President of ABCA, chaired the session and delivered the concluding remarks and vote of thanks.
Dr Md Abu Kausar Shapon, joint secretary of ABCA, delivered the welcome address, and a short video presentation highlighting the historical milestones of bilateral relations and key moments from the visit was also screened.
The webinar concluded with a shared vision for mutual respect, balanced diplomacy, and enhanced cooperation that ensures long-term prosperity for Bangladesh.
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