Xi wants geopolitical support: BNP

Visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping said to have conveyed to BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia that China expects Bangaldesh’s support in its geopolitics, a spokesperson said.

“We called upon the Chinese leader to stay alongside Bangladesh in its path towards development,” BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said.

“The Chinese president also called upon us to stay with them and support their geopolitical activities especially in the sector of development,” the BNP leader said.

The meeting began at Le Méridien hotel, where Xi is staying, around 5:35pm and carried on for 40 minutes, Sayrul Kabir Khan, a staff of Khaleda Zia’s press wing, told The Daily Star.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, standing committee member Mahbubur Rahman, leaders Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain and Riaz Rahman accompanied the BNP chief.

Veteran politician Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir briefed reporters after the meeting.

“The Chinese president also called upon us to stay beside them for the overall development of Bangladesh and China,” Fakhrul said.

The meeting with BNP, the party that boycotted the last general elections, takes place following “fruitful” talks with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and signing of several MoUs.

At the press briefing following the signing of deals, China President Xi Jinping highlighted that he wants to build up a long-term strategic partnership with Bangladesh.