Dhaka, Beijing to fight terror together

Bangladesh and China have signed three cooperation documents, as the two countries seek to establish close cooperation and share intelligence on issues like terrorism, transnational crimes and cybercrimes.

“These three documents have been signed for deeper understanding,” Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan told reporters yesterday after a home-minister level meeting between the two countries at the secretariat.

Zhao Kezhi, Chinese minister and party committee secretary of the Ministry of Public Security, and his Bangladesh counterpart Asaduzzaman led their respective sides at the meeting.

The three documents signed at the two-hour meeting are: Plan of Action on Law Enforcement Training Cooperation, a cooperation document on establishment of Joint Working Group and a letter of exchange on police equipment.

Asaduzzaman said issues related to counterterrorism, cybercrimes, militancy, transnational crimes, narcotics, fire service and visa were discussed at the meeting.

“They [Chinese side] agreed that terrorism is a common challenge in the world and we'll work jointly to address it.”

The minister said there would be exchange of views and delegations between the two countries in addition to sharing of intelligence.

The two countries discussed security of huge Chinese investment in Bangladesh. China appreciated the Bangladesh government's support in protecting its investment and providing safety for them, he added.

The meeting also discussed visa-on-arrival, especially for Bangladeshi tourists and businessmen.

The home minister said the Chinese side responded positively, and would make a formal announcement after their internal discussions.

ROHINGYA REPATRIATION

Asaduzzaman said the Rohingya repatriation issue was discussed at the meeting, and the two sides laid emphasis on quick repatriation of the Myanmar nationals from Bangladesh.

China stressed the need for implementing agreements signed between Bangladesh and Myanmar on the issue, while Bangladesh sought China's role in Rohingya repatriation, said the minister.

“There'll be a tripartite meeting between the Bangladesh foreign minister and his Chinese and Myanmarese counterparts, where they will discuss the issue further.”

Asaduzzaman said China highly appreciated Bangladesh's development, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and assured the country of continuing its cooperation.

Bangladesh-China bilateral relations have been elevated to “Strategic Partnership of Cooperation” which maintains a new momentum of cooperation between the armed forces of the two nations, the Chinese delegation said.

Before the bilateral meeting, the Chinese minister was given a guard of honour.

Zhao Kezhi arrived in Dhaka on Thursday on a three-day visit to attend the meeting, and called on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina the same evening.