China, Bangladesh to start two-plus-two dialogue in the ‘very near future’, says Humaiun Kobir

Bangladesh-China two-plus-two dialogue will commence in the “very near future”, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir announced in Dhaka on Sunday (August 30, 2026). Mr. Kobir announced this soon after the Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, called on him to discuss a number of projects, including the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP).

“The groundwork for the 2+2 engagement is currently being laid for further interactions. So yes, it will commence at a mutually convenient time in the very near future,” Mr. Kobir told members of the media at the Foreign Ministry. Mr. Kobir, who was inducted into the Ministry on August 21, said the dialogue will include diplomacy and defence verticals at the level of Minister of State and then will move to the Foreign Minister-level.

“We have not fixed any specific dates yet. However, discussions will take place at that level,” he said. The announcement came two months after Prime Minister Tarique Rahman visited China, where the two sides discussed major projects, including plans for the Teesta River. Mr. Kobir described China as an important development partner and reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to the ‘One China policy’.

In his meeting with the Chinese Ambassador, Mr. Kobir discussed a number of items that were taken up during Prime Minister Rahman’s China visit including the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP). They also discussed the China-Myanmar-Bangladesh corridor project, China Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ) and signing of a commercial contract for modernisation of Mongla Port. Possible Chinese cooperation in establishing a Mongla Export Processing Zone (EPZ) also featured in the discussions, BSS, the state-run news outlet of Bangladesh, has reported.