No concentration camp in Xinjiang, it is open to all, including foreign media: Chinese officials

China has said Xinjiang remains open to all, including Western media and anyone willing to come will be well-received to see the situation for themselves.

"Door of Xinjiang is open to all, including Western media," Deputy Director General of Xinjiang Foreign Affairs Office Zhang Huazhong told UNB while responding to a question during a recent visit.

He said they wish to see "more comprehensive and objective" reports on Xinjiang, an autonomous region in China‍‍`s northeast.

"There is no concentration camp. Everyone can come here to see in person. You (Bangladesh media delegation) have seen our daily life. It is totally unfriendly to use words like concentration camps," Zhang said, adding that they have an "open and inclusive" attitude.

He said people in Xinjiang live a happy life and Xinjiang is an open place to all.

Referring to Bangladesh-China relations, he said the two countries should stay united and continue to focus on further domestic development for the sake of people‍‍`s welfare.

"Our both countries face similar challenges. Rights to survive, develop and security are the key human rights," said the Chinese government official.

He said they would like to share their experiences with Bangladesh in terms of development efforts and laid emphasis on national stability and people‍‍`s welfare.

Officials from the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region responded to various questions at an interaction before conclusion of the week-long visit of the 10-member Bangladesh media delegation.

Deputy Director General for Culture and Tourism Department of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Yan Naimin, Vice President of Literary Federation of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Wlijan Yaqub, President of Women’s Federation of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Aynur Mahset, Deputy Director General of Ethnic Affairs (Religious Affairs Bureau) of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Li Jiang, Deputy Director General of Health Commission of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Yu Miping, Director of Religious Affairs Division of United Front Work Department of CPC Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Chu Jian, Chief Economic Manager of Rural Revitalization Bureau of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Ma Zhibin, Director of International Exchanges and Cooperation of Xinjiang University Li Xiaodong, Deputy Director of Foreign Affairs Division of Education Qin Shan and Director of Information and Culture Division of Xinjiang Foreign Affairs Office Gu Mei interacted with the Bangladesh media delegation.

The officials said the Chinese government is fully committed to protecting the rights of both the believers and non-believers, and the religious freedom of the people of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is fully ensured.

They said the laws and regulations enacted by the government guarantee the protection of the rights of ethnic minorities as well as the rights of believers of all religions.

A large portion of the people in Xinjiang province are Muslims and there have been allegations in a section of the media that there is a curb on religious freedom in this region, which shares borders with eight central and South Asian countries.

"It’s a fictitious lie....The anti-Chinese forces have fabricated this to undermine the huge pro-people prosperity achieved by China," said Zhang.

Li Jiang said the people in the region enjoy the full religious freedom and rights.

He said that in line with the central government’s policy, they fully respect and protect citizens’ religious beliefs.

Laws and rules have been enacted to ensure religious freedom, he added.

Chu Jian said ethnic minorities also have substantial representations in all level of policy-making forums.

Yan Naimin said that they have been promoting ethnic culture, arts and music for a long time. "It is very convenient for overseas tourists to visit Xinjiang. We provide the best and quality services."

Elijan Yaqub said the CPC stressed the need for literature and folklore and each year more than 10 million RMB is allocated for this purpose. "We would like to invite your (Bangladesh) cultural artists as part if exchanges."

“We have made a lot of initiatives to strengthen ethnic unity. For the people of grassroots level, measures are taken to improve the culture and literary lives,” he said.

Aynur Mahset said as part of social and economic development the authorities prioritise issues related to improvement of women and children.

The local government of Uyghur is committed to supporting health welfare of mother and infant, she said.

The law and regulations of the government guarantee protection of rights of women and children.

She said a large number of women are contributing to the various policy making areas and forums in the party and in the government.

The media delegation members who took part in the interactions were Daily Jugantor Chief Reporter Masud Karim, The Business Standard Deputy Editor Titu Das Gupta, The Financial Express Special Correspondent Mir Mostafizur Rahaman, The Daily Star Diplomatic Correspondent Porimol Palma, UNB Special Correspondent AKM Moinuddin, Independent TV Special Correspondent Nafiza Dawla, ATN News Chief Reporter Ashiqur Rahman Apu, Daily Samokal Diplomatic Correspondent Tasnim Mohsin Mishu, Jamuna TV Senior Reporter Ahmed Reza and Somoy TV Diplomatic Correspondent Tajwar Mahmid.