PM calls critics of China tour achievements ‘mentally ill’

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday described those claiming that Bangladesh did not achieve anything during her recent visit to China as "mentally ill."

“So many things happened, 21 memorandums were inked there. Still, some are saying that we got nothing from the visit to China. I don't know why they continue to speak in such manner. I don't know if they are spreading such gossip to embarrass me or humiliate me. Those who say that I got nothing from my visit to China, that I am giving away everything to India, are nothing but mentally ill,” said the Prime Minister while responding to a question at a press conference at Ganabhaban.

In a written statement earlier, the Prime Minister detailed the events of her tour of China from July 8 to 10. She highlighted her meeting with the AIIB chief, where she urged the AIIB to invest in Bangladesh's infrastructure development, river dredging, climate change initiatives, and other essential sectors.

She also participated in a business conference titled "The Rise of Bengal Tiger: Summit on Trade, Business and Investment Opportunities between Bangladesh and China," where she invited the Chinese business community to invest in Bangladesh, touting it as having the world's most liberal investment system. She emphasized the need for greater investment in infrastructure, ICT, tourism, agro-processing industry, energy (including renewable energy), climate-resilient smart farming, waste management, green technology, and development.

The press conference was attended by Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, Jatiya Sangsad Deputy Leader and Awami League Presidium member Matia Chowdhury, Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud, Finance Minister Abul Hasan Mahmud Ali, Commerce State Minister Ahsanul Islam Titu, Information State Minister Mohammad Ali Arafat, among others.

The Prime Minister's Press Secretary Nayeemul Islam Khan conducted the press conference.