Bangladesh, July 18 -- Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called for stronger relations with China, saying it is in Bangladesh's national interest while stressing the need to maintain balanced ties with India, Europe, the United States and other countries.

Addressing a discussion titled "Long Live Bangladesh-China Relations", organised by the Bangladesh-China Friendship Association at a hotel in Dhaka on Saturday, the minister said the BNP had maintained political communication with China even while it was in opposition.

Fakhrul said China had expressed interest in expanding cooperation with Bangladesh in trade, investment, technology and infrastructure to support the country's development.

He also noted Beijing'...