China a time-tested friend in Bangladesh’s development: State Minister

China is a time-tested and trusted friend in Bangladesh's development and can play an important role in repatriation of Rohingya refugees, State Minister for Disaster Enamur Rahman said today.

"China stands by us by providing technical and financial assistance for the construction of many major structures, including the Padma Bridge. We are hopeful that China will play an important role in repatriation of the forcibly displaced Myanmar refugees to their homeland," the state minister said at a meeting with Chinese Ambassador Li Jiming at the Secretariat today.

He said the government has taken initiative to build earthquake resistant National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) -- for search and rescue operation at the time of massive disasters. China will give technical and financial assistance in this regard, he added.

The state minister expressed hope that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will soon be signed by the Government of Bangladesh with the Chinese Government in this regard.