BNP Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan yesterday told a senior leader of the Communist Party of China (CPC) that if his party is elected to power in the next election, it will sign an agreement with China to implement the Teesta River water management project.

"Chinese ambassador in Dhaka has recently made a clear proposal to assist us in developing a project for managing the water of Teesta River," he said during a meeting between a Bangladesh delegation and CPC Deputy Secretary of the Shaanxi Provincial Committee Xing Shanping.

Dr Moyeen said the Chinese envoy had sincerely made the offer for the welfare of thousands of people living along the riverbanks.

"On our behalf, I tell you that if the people of Bangladesh elect us to government in the next election, we will be very happy to sign a deal to receive your support in developing a complete Teesta Barrage," he said.

The BNP leader also mentioned that the Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, told him he would personally visit the Teesta Barrage area.

The delegation, led by BNP Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, attended the meeting and later joined a banquet hosted by the CPC leader at a hotel in the province.

Earlier, on Tuesday, the 21-member delegation, consisting of leaders from eight political parties, including the BNP, travelled to China for an 11-day visit at the invitation of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

Dr Moyeen said the current government is not taking the Teesta project since it is a transitional administration.

"A stable government will be established through the polls, which will be able to sign the deal and execute the project," the BNP leader told the meeting.

Dr Moyeen also hoped that China would continue supporting Bangladesh in modernising its agriculture and irrigation systems, alongside its cooperation in infrastructure development.

He mentioned that an increasing number of Bangladeshi students are pursuing higher education in China, particularly in science, technology, and modern disciplines, to contribute to national development.

The BNP leader hoped that China would offer more scholarships and enhance student exchange programs to facilitate quality education for Bangladeshi students.

About trade, he said China can supply high-quality essential items at affordable prices to meet the needs of the Bangladeshi people.

In response, CPC Deputy Secretary Xing Shanping reaffirmed China's strong commitment to its ties with Bangladesh, describing the country as a valued neighbour.

She said bilateral relations between Bangladesh and China have strengthened based on mutual cooperation and respect.

The CPC leader assured that China would continue its assistance for Bangladesh's development and the welfare of its people.

"We want to deepen our bilateral cooperation further in the days to come," she said.

She also expressed China's keen interest in investing in various sectors in Bangladesh, including agriculture, clean energy, education, science and technology, and infrastructure development.