A Chinese national has travelled from China to Nabinagar in Brahmanbaria district, Bangladesh, reportedly driven by a romantic relationship formed through social media. The visit has drawn significant local attention, with crowds gathering and images and videos of the couple circulating widely online.
The individual, identified as Jia Aili, arrived in the Nilnagar area of Nabinagar on Monday night (15 June), travelling to the maternal residence of his partner, Swapna Akter. He was received there following his arrival in the locality, where news of a foreign visitor quickly spread among residents, prompting large numbers of people to gather to see him.
According to available information, the couple first became acquainted through social media, after which their relationship developed over a period of approximately three months. Swapna Akter is the daughter of the late Riaz Uddin from Kathalia village in Jinadpur Union of Nabinagar Upazila. She stated that communication between them continued for around three months before the Chinese national travelled to Bangladesh.
She further stated that Jia Aili arrived in Bangladesh on 2 June and initially stayed in the Uttara area of Dhaka. Later, upon expressing his intention to visit Nabinagar, he was brought from the Aliabad Gol Chattar area to Nilnagar on Monday.
Swapna Akter also said she had informed him about her family’s financial and social circumstances. According to her statement, he responded that these matters did not pose any concern for him. Following this, she discussed the matter with her family and received their agreement regarding marriage arrangements.
Family members of Swapna Akter have stated that Jia Aili came to Bangladesh with the intention of marriage. It has also been reported that he intends to convert to Islam prior to the wedding, after which the marriage will be conducted according to Muslim rites.
Questions initially arose within the local community regarding his identity and nationality. In response, Jia Aili reportedly presented his Chinese passport and other necessary documents in front of local residents, which helped dispel doubts about his identity.
Residents of the area described the incident as unusual, noting that it is rare for someone to travel from abroad to a rural locality in Bangladesh due to a romantic relationship. The situation has generated widespread discussion, particularly due to the cross-border nature of the relationship and the short period in which it developed.
At present, Jia Aili is staying with the family of Swapna Akter, spending time with them in Nabinagar. It has been reported that on Tuesday, legal procedures are expected to be completed at the district court, followed by his conversion to Islam and subsequent marriage according to religious customs.
Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Early June | Jia Aili arrives in Bangladesh and stays in Uttara, Dhaka |
| ~3 months prior | Initial contact between Jia Aili and Swapna Akter via social media |
| Monday, 15 June | Arrival of Jia Aili in Nilnagar, Nabinagar |
| Following arrival | Presentation of passport and identity documents to locals |
| Tuesday (planned) | Legal formalities, religious conversion, and marriage proceedings |
The incident continues to attract local interest in Nabinagar, particularly due to its international dimension and the rapid progression of the relationship from online contact to in-person meeting and planned marriage.