Dhaka: Expressing deep concern over the ongoing violence targeting innocent people, Chinese ambassador in Dhaka Ma Mingqiang said his country likes to see peace and smooth development of Bangladesh.

He made the remark when he met Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali at the latter’s office.

During the discussion, the foreign minister informed the envoy about the ongoing blockade and the acts of violence and arson attacks on common people by BNP-Jamaat alliance. ‘This can’t be the language of democracy.’

The Chinese Ambassador, in response, voiced his deep concern about the fact that innocent people are being targeted in these violent acts and conveyed deep sympathy to the victims, said a Foreign Ministry media release.

After the meeting, the Chinese envoy, however, said they hope that there will be an end to the current situation soon with the restoration of normalcy.

Ma Mingqiang also informed that he had been asked by Chinese Foreign Minister to follow up major economic cooperation projects in Bangladesh under Chinese Assistance.

He underscored that China would remain as an active development partner of Bangladesh in the coming days, according to the media release.

The envoy also underlined that Bangladesh Foreign Minister should visit China in near future to further bolster the relations.

Mahmood Ali appreciated the recently held cultural shows in Dhaka by Chinese cultural troupe and suggested that such events may also be arranged in major cities outside Dhaka in the future.