China’s 77th National Day reception highlights deepening Dhaka-Beijing ties

The Chinese Embassy in Dhaka hosted a reception on Wednesday marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, with the event also serving as a farewell reception for outgoing Ambassador Yao Wen.

More than 700 guests, including senior government officials, political leaders, diplomats, military representatives, businesspeople, academics, journalists and members of the Chinese community, attended the reception.

Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan attended the event, while Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman, Home Affairs Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain and Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal were among the other prominent attendees.

In his remarks, Ambassador Yao said China had pursued a path of modernisation suited to its national conditions over the past 77 years and contributed what he described as Chinese wisdom and solutions to global peace and development.

He noted that 2026 marks the 51st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and China, as well as the 10th anniversary of the two countries' Belt and Road cooperation.

Referring to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s recent visit to China, Yao said the visit had elevated bilateral ties to a “China-Bangladesh Community with a Shared Future in the New Era” and injected fresh momentum into relations. The two countries agreed during the June visit to deepen cooperation in areas including trade, investment, technology, health, education and people-to-people exchanges.

Reflecting on his tenure in Dhaka, Yao said he had witnessed Bangladesh’s political transformation and made many Bangladeshi friends. He also praised what he described as the sincere friendship of the Bangladeshi people toward China and the optimism of the country’s young generation.

Speaking on behalf of Bangladesh, Dr Moyeen Khan described China as one of Bangladesh’s closest partners and said the prime minister’s visit to China was an important milestone in bilateral relations.

He also highlighted China’s economic and social development over the past 77 years, saying it had provided valuable experience for developing countries. Bangladesh, he said, stands ready to work with China to expand exchanges and cooperation and deliver greater benefits to the peoples of both countries.

Moyeen also appreciated Ambassador Yao’s contribution to strengthening Bangladesh-China friendship during his tenure.

The reception featured cultural performances by the Colorful Yunnan Ethnic Cultural Exchange Troupe, the Wushu Team of Yunnan Minzu University and the Dance Troupe and School of Music of Anhui Normal University.

The event also featured exhibitions showcasing Chinese high technology, traditional culture and tourism, bringing together diplomatic, political, business and cultural representatives in a festive atmosphere. Recent reporting has also highlighted Yao’s emphasis on the continued expansion of Dhaka-Beijing cooperation as he prepares to leave Bangladesh.