The prompt response of the Chinese government to the strong earthquake in Yunnan Province and its effectiveness and openness were highly appreciated by Bangladesh experts and leaders including Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Mahbuba Nasreen, director of Dhaka University's Institute of Disaster Management and Vulnerability Studies, said, "what was much impressive to me this time was the way China responded to the quake," adding that Bangladesh should take some lessons from China.

She said, "They are well planned because they have ample resources. Both technically and technologically China is now a country with vast knowledge and experiences in handling various types of disasters."

Shamim Mahabubul Haqu, an urban risk reduction specialist at Bangladesh's Comprehensive Disaster Management Program, said, " Given the political and economic reality in China, we expected such kind of prompt response from the Chinese government and people."

Haqu said, "We've many things to learn from Chinese experiences. We very much admire the efforts made by the government of China and its people."

Haqu was also former chairman of Urban and Rural Planning Discipline of Bangladesh's leading Khulna University.

Coming to know about such a prompt response China had to combat the disaster, not only the experts but also Bangladesh leaders including Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have appreciated what Chinese government and people have done.

Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) also admired the Chinese government and people for their disaster preparedness and prompt response to the quake.

"We're deeply shocked and express our full solidarity with the Chinese people and government," Mahbubur Rahman, national standing committee member of BNP, also the former Chief of Army Staff of Bangladesh Army, told Xinhua Thursday.

"We're happy to see that PLA soldiers immediately moved to affected areas and the area is a very challenging and difficult place. And they are rescuing people in the hazardous mountainous areas."

A 6.5-magnitude earthquake jolted Zhaotong City in southwest China's Yunnan Province on Sunday. According to latest statistics, the death toll has risen to 398, while more than 1,800 people were injured.