MM Rahmatullah: China is expected to further expand its cooperation with Bangladesh in key development sectors, including infrastructure, port management, waste management and renewable energy, Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan said on Thursday.The minister made the remarks during a meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen at his office at the Secretariat.State Minister for LGRD and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam was also present at the meeting.The two sides discussed a wide range of issues of mutual interest, with particular emphasis on improving waste management and sewage disposal systems in Dhaka, urban housing, renewable energy and infrastructure development.The expansion of the pipeline network required to make the Dasherkandi Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) fully operational was also discussed.The meeting also explored the possibility of introducing Mandarin or Chinese language into Bangladesh's education curriculum, reflecting growing people-to-people and economic ties between the two countries.A major outcome of the discussion was the confirmation that China has agreed to implement a Tk 10,000 crore modern housing project aimed at rehabilitating residents of Korail, Sat Tala and Bhashantek slums under Dhaka-17 constituency.State Minister Mir Shahe Alam said the project was proposed through the Economic Relations Division (ERD) and would be implemented in phases.Under the proposed scheme, small-unit flats will be constructed in 20-storey buildings to provide permanent and improved housing for people currently living in slum areas.The beneficiaries would be allowed to live in the flats without paying rent. They would, however, have to pay their utility bills, including those for gas, water and electricity.The project could represent a major shift in the approach to slum rehabilitation by combining improved housing with essential urban services.Waste management and sewage disposal have become increasingly important challenges for Dhaka as the capital's population and urban activities continue to grow.During the meeting, Bangladesh sought greater Chinese expertise, technology and investment in these areas.The Dasherkandi STP was another important point of discussion. The expansion of the necessary pipeline network is considered essential for bringing the plant to full operational capacity.The Bangladeshi side also highlighted the potential for greater use of renewable energy in urban development and public infrastructure.Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan described China as one of Bangladesh's largest development partners and said its longstanding support has played an important role in the country's development.He said China's experience, technology and investment could help Bangladesh accelerate development in sectors such as water supply, waste management, renewable energy and urban development.The minister expressed hope that Chinese cooperation in these and other priority areas would increase further in the coming days.Ambassador Yao Wen, meanwhile, congratulated Dr Moyeen Khan on assuming his new responsibility as local government minister.He expressed hope that bilateral relations between Bangladesh and China would be strengthened further and that the two countries would expand cooperation into new areas.Ambassador Yao said Bangladesh-China relations had reached a new height following Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's visit to China.He said China was interested not only in strengthening economic relations but also in increasing people-to-people connectivity between the two countries.The discussion on introducing Mandarin or Chinese language into Bangladesh's education curriculum was in line with this broader objective of strengthening cultural and educational links.Local Government Division Secretary Md Shahidul Hassan, Dhaka WASA Managing Director Md Moniruzzaman and senior officials of the ministry were present during the meeting.The discussions underline the growing importance of China-Bangladesh cooperation in tackling some of Bangladesh's most pressing urban challenges—from housing and sanitation to infrastructure, energy and sustainable city development.