A remarkable cross-border romance has drawn widespread attention in Bangladesh after a young Chinese man travelled thousands of kilometres to Kishoreganj district, driven by an online relationship that began on a social media platform.
The incident took place in Kishtapur village under Morol Para of Chouganga Union in Itna upazila, where the arrival of the foreign visitor created considerable curiosity among local residents.
The Chinese national, Gao Weiyan, son of Gao Zhanxin, said he is originally from Muye District in Xinxiang city of Henan province, China. He stated that his father works as an assistant police officer in his locality. According to him, the relationship began more than two years ago through a chat-based mobile application when he first came into contact with Jhuma Akhter, a resident of Kishoreganj.
Over time, the online interaction developed into a romantic relationship. Gao Weiyan said that after discussions about marriage, he decided to travel to Bangladesh and arrived on the night of 16 May, following the address provided by Jhuma Akhter.
Jhuma Akhter is the daughter of Md. Nazrul Islam and Pakhi Akhter. She completed her Dakhil examinations from Kishtapur Azizia Dakhil Madrasa in the 2023–24 academic session and is currently a first-year student at Chouganga Puran Bazar Kamil Madrasa. According to her birth registration, she was born on 10 August 2007, making her approximately 18 years and 9 months old at present.
As news of the foreign visitor spread on Sunday morning, large crowds gathered outside the family home, turning the quiet village into a centre of local attention. Despite the growing presence of onlookers, the Chinese youth reportedly remained calm and engaged with the situation without discomfort.
The incident has sparked mixed reactions among local residents. Some have expressed concern and speculation about the future of the relationship, while others have voiced hopes that the young woman will be safe and well-supported if any formal marriage or relocation takes place.
Local resident Shariful Islam said that the priority should be ensuring legal recognition of any future union so that the young woman does not face complications later in life.
Itna Upazila Executive Officer Makhan Chandra Sutradhar stated that he had initially learned about the matter from media queries and later verified its authenticity. He added that the administration would extend necessary assistance in accordance with applicable laws if required.
Key Individuals Involved
| Name | Nationality | Relation | Background / Role | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gao Weiyan | Chinese | Visitor / Partner | Arrived in Bangladesh after online relationship | Not stated |
| Gao Zhanxin | Chinese | Father of Gao Weiyan | Assistant police officer in Henan province | Not stated |
| Jhuma Akhter | Bangladeshi | Partner | Student, Kishoreganj resident | ~18 years 9 months |
The unusual story has not only highlighted the growing influence of digital platforms in forming international relationships but has also drawn attention to the social and cultural dynamics that emerge when such relationships move from virtual spaces into real-life settings.