Bangladesh-China People's Friendship Association (BCPFA) Thursday congratulated China's successful launching of the second manned space mission, saying it will greatly contribute to enriching the human knowledge.

"We congratulate the valiant Chinese people on the successful launching of the second manned space mission with two Chinese astronauts," said a statement of BCPFA signed by BCPFA President Anwarul Amin and its Secretary General S.A. Sikder.

"The spectacular progress in scientific research and technological innovation achieved by the People's Republic of China along with sustained economic development has been a source of inspiration and joy for the people of Bangladesh, who have long historical and friendly ties with the people of China," the statement said.

Conveying the warmest greetings to leaders of the Chinese Communist Party, the government of People's Republic of China, the scientists and technicians involved in the launching mission and the two astronauts, the statement said, "this tremendous achievement will greatly contribute to enrich the human knowledge."

China launched its second manned spacecraft Shenzhou VI at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China's Gansu Province at 9:00 AM local time on Wednesday morning, sending two astronauts into space.

Shenzhou VI, the country's first multi-manned and multi-day space flight, is the first time for Chinese to conduct space tests with human participation.

(Xinhua News Agency October 14, 2005)