Sumaiya, a first-year student at Government Sufia Women’s College in Madaripur, is the eldest of three sisters. Her father, Saidur Munshi, operates a ferry on the Arial Kha River in Uttar Mahisharchar, Panchkhola Union, Madaripur Sadar Upazila, supporting the family by ferrying passengers. Sumaiya’s younger sisters, Sadia Akter (12) and Arifa (6), study at a madrasa and a local school, respectively.
Sitian Jing, son of Si Jing Ning and Wang Ying, runs a restaurant business in Shanghai. He and Sumaiya first connected through TikTok, where Sumaiya became a fan of his content. Their interactions evolved through YouTube messaging, using translation software to overcome language barriers. What began as friendship blossomed into a romantic relationship within four months. On July 24, 2025, Sitian arrived in Bangladesh, stayed a day in a Dhaka hotel, and reached Sumaiya’s home in Mahisharchar on July 26, accompanied by Sumaiya, her father, and two relatives. Their marriage was formalized on July 27, first through a court and later in a social ceremony attended by local dignitaries.
Sumaiya shared, “I became his fan after watching his TikTok videos. We started chatting on YouTube, and soon we fell in love. I never imagined he’d come to Bangladesh for me. He told me he was boarding a flight, but I didn’t believe it until he reached India and informed me. His parents, who are Muslim, supported our marriage and encouraged him to bring me to China. I’m preparing my documents, including a passport, and he plans to take me to China after a month here.”
Sitian, communicating through translation software due to his inability to speak Bangla, said, “I love Bangladesh, though it’s very hot. Many people come to see me, which makes me a bit nervous. I came here out of love for Sumaiya and married her. My family knows everything and wants me to bring her to China. I’ll take her once her documents are ready.”
Saidur Munshi, Sumaiya’s father, expressed his joy: “My daughter and Sitian fell in love through their phones. He came to Bangladesh and married her. He’s staying with us now, and he’s a kind, humble person with no arrogance. He’ll stay for a month and take my daughter to China. We’re very happy.”
Local resident Julekha Begum remarked, “We’ve never seen a Chinese person up close before. Sumaiya’s marriage to someone who came from China for her is special. He doesn’t speak Bangla but talks to us with a smile. He seems like a good person, and we hear he’ll take Sumaiya to China. This is a unique event for our area, and everyone is thrilled.”
Mohammad Rubel Hawladar, a member of Ward 7 in Panchkhola Union, confirmed, “A few days ago, a young man from China arrived here and married Sumaiya. The marriage was first formalized in court, followed by a social ceremony with local notables present. I’ve heard he has a business in China and plans to take Sumaiya there soon.”
The news of the cross-border marriage has sparked excitement in the community, with locals flocking to Sumaiya’s home to see the couple. Sitian and Sumaiya are now preparing for their future together in China, marking a new chapter in their love story that began online.
