Disappointingly, out of the 26 deals that were signed between China and Bangladesh during President Xi Jinping's visit, three-fourths of the deals have shown no signs of progress even after a whole year has passed. The soft loan that China has committed is yet to be released mainly because of bureaucratic tangles and so, most projects are yet to even get off the ground.

Among the agreements was the Karnaphuli Tunnel Loan Agreement which the Prime Minister of Bangladesh and President of China had even inaugurated the construction work of, through a video conference. But project work could not start as the Chinese Exim Bank did not release the necessary funds; the reason being that a manual on how the tunnel would be used was sent to the bank from Dhaka without the signatures of the appropriate authorities. This is indicative of a shocking level of unprofessionalism on the part of government officials. 

Beside the bureaucratic problems in Bangladesh, many of the major delays are being caused by bureaucratic issues in China. However, what is troubling is not which side the problem is on, but rather that there seems to be no clear-cut method to overcome them quickly. There needs to be some modality of work or a written mechanism to make the process easier. 

We are a nation already cash-starved and in desperate need to move forward with the development projects agreed on with China. The administration, thus, should shake off its current nonchalant attitude and take the necessary steps to implement the projects on an urgent basis.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will address the nation this evening on the occasion of Victory Day.

The prime minister will deliver her speech at 7:30pm today, Prime Minister's Office (PMO)'s press wing sources said.

Her speech will be aired by Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar as well as private TV channels and radio stations.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has said the tremendous achievements scored by the Bangladesh government and people have been widely commended by the international community.

"China-Bangladesh friendship boasts a long history and will grow from strength to strength," he said in a congratulatory message marking Independence Day of Bangladesh.

Premier of the State Council Li Qiang and State Councilor of the State Council and Minister of Foreign Affairs Qin Gang sent messages of felicitation separately to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen respectively.

At present, President Xi said, Bangladesh and China are enjoying solid and profound political trust, and practical cooperation has been advancing steadily.

He said the joint construction of the "The Belt and Road Initiative" has yielded fruitful results, bringing tangible benefits to the two countries and the two peoples.

"I attach great importance to the development of China-Bangladesh relations, and I stand ready to work with you to push China-Bangladesh Strategic Partnership of Cooperation to a new height," President Xi said in his message to President Abdul Hamid.

"On the occasion of the 52nd anniversary of the independence of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, on behalf of the Chinese government and people, and in my own name, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations and best wishes to Abdul Hamid and to the government and people of your country," Xi said.

In recent years, he said, Bangladesh has made remarkable progress in various economic and social undertakings, making great strides toward the dream of "Sonar Bangla".