A significant diplomatic development is unfolding as a 22-member delegation from Bangladesh, comprising political leaders, civil society activists, academics, and journalists, embarks on a 10-day visit to China. Initiated by Beijing, this "goodwill visit" aims to strengthen China-Bangladesh relations amid growing tensions between Dhaka and New Delhi.
Senior Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Abdul Moin Khan told the BBC that the visit is primarily a goodwill mission facilitated by Beijing. He emphasized its significance as China has invited a delegation representing various groups within Bangladesh.
Under Khan’s leadership, the delegation is set to engage in discussions with Chinese government officials and senior members of the ruling Communist Party. The visit comes at a time when diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh are becoming increasingly strained. Since her ousting in August, former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been living in exile in India, with Delhi rejecting Dhaka’s request for her extradition.
According to a UN report, Hasina’s government faced criticism for its crackdown on protesters, which reportedly resulted in around 1,400 deaths. China is deepening its engagement with Bangladeshi leaders, activists, and delegation members, including representatives from Islamic parties. This week's visit follows a meeting in January between Bangladesh’s interim Foreign Affairs Advisor Tawhid Hossain and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. It marks BNP’s second visit to China in recent months, reflecting Beijing’s efforts to strengthen its position in Bangladesh.
Analysts believe China’s diplomatic outreach signals its ambition to expand influence in the region. With a population of approximately 170 million, Bangladesh presents a strategic opportunity for China. The two nations maintain a significant trade relationship, with bilateral trade reaching nearly $24 billion, primarily driven by Chinese exports.
According to a BBC report, India’s engagement with Bangladesh’s interim government and political leaders has been limited over the past six months. The BNP has protested against India’s alleged interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs, drawing a sharp response from Delhi. Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has stressed that Bangladesh’s approach will determine the nature of its relationship with India.
As tensions between Dhaka and Delhi escalate, some analysts suggest Bangladesh may move closer to China. Chinese analyst Zhou Bo told the BBC that considering the entire subcontinent as India’s sphere of influence is incorrect and could be detrimental to India.
Amid these developments, Bangladesh is preparing for its upcoming elections, expected to take place between December this year and March next year. The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has urged India to repatriate Hasina to face charges of crimes against humanity and money laundering.
(Source: NDTV)
