A Chinese national travelled from China to Nabinagar in Brahmanbaria district after forming a romantic relationship with a Bangladeshi woman through social media, drawing significant local attention upon his arrival.
The individual, identified as Jia Aili, reached the Nilonagar area of Nabinagar on Monday night (15 June) and stayed at the maternal home of his partner, Sapna Akter. Following news of his arrival, large crowds gathered in the area, while images and videos of the couple circulated widely on social media.
According to available information, Sapna Akter, daughter of the late Riaz Uddin of Katalia village under Jinodpur Union in Nabinagar Upazila, first came into contact with Jia Aili via social media. Their communication began approximately three months prior to his visit, during which a relationship developed.
Sapna Akter stated that Jia Aili maintained contact with her for around three months before travelling to Bangladesh. He reportedly arrived in the country on 2 June and initially stayed in the Uttara area of Dhaka. Later, upon expressing his intention to visit Nabinagar, he was brought to Aliaabad Gol Chattar on Monday before proceeding to Nilonagar.
Arrival and Key Developments
Date
Event
2 June
Jia Aili arrives in Bangladesh and stays in Uttara, Dhaka
~March–June
Three months of communication via social media
15 June (Monday night)
Arrival at Nilonagar, Nabinagar
Following arrival
Identity documents, including passport, shown to locals
Upcoming Tuesday
Reported court procedures and formal steps for religious conversion and marriage
Local residents initially expressed uncertainty regarding his nationality. In response, Jia Aili presented his Chinese passport and related documents to members of the local community, which reportedly clarified doubts about his identity.
Residents of the area described the incident as unusual, noting that it is uncommon for a foreign national to arrive in a rural locality in Bangladesh for personal or marital reasons. The presence of Jia Aili attracted attention due to the linguistic, cultural, and geographical differences involved.
Sapna Akter and her family stated that Jia Aili travelled to Bangladesh with the intention of marriage. It has been reported that he intends to convert to Islam prior to the marriage ceremony, which is expected to be conducted according to Muslim rites following completion of the necessary legal procedures.
At present, Jia Aili is staying with Sapna Akter’s family in Nabinagar and spending time with them. According to family members, formal arrangements are expected to take place at the district court on Tuesday, after which the religious conversion and subsequent marriage ceremony are scheduled to be completed.
The incident has drawn widespread local discussion in Brahmanbaria District, particularly due to the international nature of the relationship and the documentation presented to verify the visitor’s identity.
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