Bangladesh-China diplomatic ties entered a new phase of celebration as China’s embassy in Dhaka marked two significant milestones with an elaborate reception on Wednesday. The Embassy of People’s Republic of China in Bangladesh held the event on September 17th to commemorate both the 76th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China and the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-China diplomatic ties.
Historic gathering strengthens Bangladesh-China relations
More than 600 guests attended the reception, demonstrating the breadth of Bangladesh-China relations across multiple sectors.
The gathering brought together senior military officials, political representatives, foreign diplomats, and cultural figures.
Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, the chief of air staff, joined representatives from major political parties and international organisations.
Muhammad Yunus, the interim government’s chief adviser, delivered a video message for the occasion.
Salahuddin Ahmed, adviser to the Ministry of Finance, served as chief guest. Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, adviser to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, attended as special guest.
The event showcased the deep institutional connections that have developed within Bangladesh-China diplomatic ties over five decades.
Chinese institutions in Bangladesh participated alongside teachers and students from Confucius Institutes, overseas Chinese communities, media professionals, and policy experts.
Ambassador emphasises China’s global peace role
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, addressed the gathering with remarks that positioned China’s international role within a broader historical context.
The Chinese embassy said in its statement that 2025 marks both the 76th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China and the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.
“Eighty years ago, the Chinese people made tremendous national sacrifices to save human civilisation and defend world peace,” the Embassy of China in Bangladesh said in its statement.
The ambassador noted that China has since “become the major power with the best track record on peace and security issues.”
Mr Yao highlighted China’s domestic achievements under Communist Party of China’s (CPC) leadership, particularly the elimination of absolute poverty.
The Chinese embassy said that “China will always be a force for peace, stability, and progress in the world.”
The ambassador referenced President Xi Jinping‘s Global Governance Initiative (GGI) as evidence of China’s continued contribution to international affairs.
Eighty years ago, the Chinese people made tremendous national sacrifices to save human civilisation and defend world peace
— Chinese Embassy
The Embassy of China in Bangladesh said in its statement that the GGI “has garnered broad international support, including from Bangladesh.”
Five decades of Bangladesh-China diplomatic ties celebrated
The anniversary provided an opportunity to assess the evolution of Bangladesh-China relations since diplomatic ties began in 1975.
The Chinese embassy said in a statement that both countries “have always been good neighbours, sincere friends, and reliable partners.”
Mr Yao characterised the relationship as built on “respect, sincerity, strategic autonomy, and engaging in win-win cooperation.”
The Embassy of China in Bangladesh said in its statement that China “stands ready to continue supporting Bangladesh in its modernisation journey.”
The ambassador described 2025 as the “Year of People-to-People Exchanges,” highlighting the cultural dimension of Bangladesh-China diplomatic ties.
The Chinese embassy said in a statement that both countries would “advance hand in hand, writing a new chapter in the China-Bangladesh community with a shared future.”
Bangladeshi leadership praises partnership
Mr Yunus used his video message to praise China’s development achievements and their relevance to the Global South.
The chief adviser spoke highly of the remarkable achievements made by China under the CPC’s leadership, the Chinese embassy mentioned.
His remarks covered “economic development, technological innovation, poverty alleviation, and serving the people,” areas where China’s experience offers “inspiration and contributions to the Global South and the international community.”
Mr Yunus characterised China as “Bangladesh’s closest friend and most reliable partner” while reviewing the development of Bangladesh-China relations over 50 years.
He expressed gratitude for “China’s long-standing trust, assistance, and support” for Bangladesh.
China is Bangladesh’s closest friend and most reliable partner.
Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor, Government of Bangladesh
The chief adviser projected that Bangladesh-China diplomatic ties would continue expanding through their “comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, bringing peace, prosperity, and happiness to the peoples of both countries and the world.”
Advisors highlight practical cooperation
Mr Ahmed emphasised the practical benefits of Bangladesh-China relations during his remarks as chief guest.
He noted that China has provided assistance “based on the principles of mutual respect and mutual benefit” across multiple sectors.
The finance adviser specifically mentioned Chinese support in “infrastructure, education, science and technology, and health care.”
He credited these contributions with “making significant contributions to Bangladesh’s development and bringing tangible benefits to its people.”
Mr Farooki focused on the human dimension of Bangladesh-China diplomatic ties in his role as special guest.
The cultural affairs adviser noted that “profound people-to-people bonds have been established between the two nations.”
He assessed that “China-Bangladesh relations have now reached an all-time high,” reflecting the comprehensive nature of current bilateral cooperation.
Cultural programme showcases Chinese arts
The reception featured extensive cultural programming that illustrated the soft power dimension of Bangladesh-China relations.
Two Chinese performance groups, the Yunnan Golden & Silver Bird Art Troupe and the Quanzhou Art Troupe, presented traditional arts.
Their programme included ethnic dances, face-changing acrobatics, and traditional instrumental music, which won rounds of applause from the guests.
These performances demonstrated the cultural exchange that supports broader Bangladesh-China diplomatic ties.
The venue hosted two photographic exhibitions documenting different aspects of Chinese history and Bangladesh-China relations.
One exhibition celebrated the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-China diplomatic ties, while another commemorated the 80th anniversary of victory in China’s war of resistance against Japanese aggression.
Multiple thematic booths provided “enterprise displays, tourism promotion, and cultural experiences,” creating an immersive environment that “attracted great attention from the attendees.”
These displays illustrated the practical dimensions of contemporary Bangladesh-China relations across business, tourism, and cultural sectors.
The reception’s “festive and warm atmosphere” reflected the positive trajectory that characterises current Bangladesh-China diplomatic ties as both countries prepare for expanded cooperation in their sixth decade of formal relations.
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