Chittagong, Bangladesh: Bangladesh will purchase 44 military armored vehicles from China at a cost of US$ 200 million, a top Chinese diplomat Zhang Xianyi, the Chinese Ambassador in Dhaka said on September 26, according to UNB.
The military hardware will be delivered to Bangladesh within next 15 months, Chinese Ambassador in Dhaka said at a ‘meet-the press’ programme at the National Press Club.
“Defence cooperation between Bangladesh and China is an important component of our bilateral relations.”
The Ambassador could not give the total figure of military hardware purchased from China, considered as a big military hardware supplier of Bangladesh and termed “fruitful” the recent visit of Bangladesh army Chief Gen. Mubeen to China.
“Asked about the proposed transit between Bangladesh and India, the ambassador said "It is an issue between Bangladesh and India but in principle China always supports connectivity if it is good and beneficial for all the countries."
“However, the envoy said the transit should be for peaceful purposes.”
The ambassador said China likes to be connected to Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Thailand, Myanmar (Burma) and Laos.
Asked about Bangladesh's request for Chinese assistance to build a deep seaport at Sonadia of Cox’s Bazar district in the Bay of Bengal, Zhang said, “We're very positive about the deep seaport.” And a Chinese company came to Bangladesh to study the project.
He said China is working with Myanmar (Burma) to modernize its roads, and it will enable Bangladesh to connect with Myanmar.
“Since the highway involves the three nations (China, Burma and Bangladesh), we will have to be patient,” he added.
