Dhaka-Beijing ties to go amid map disputes
Staff Reporter :
China has raised objections to the depiction of Arunachal Pradesh, Aksai Chin, Hong Kong, and Taiwan in two Bangladeshi textbooks and on the Department of Survey’s website, claiming they were inaccurately shown as part of India or as independent countries.
In November, China formally requested Bangladesh to rectify the maps and related information. While discussions took place, Bangladesh explained that the textbooks had already been printed, making immediate corrections unfeasible.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs consulted with the Ministry of Education and the NCTB, assuring China that the issue would be addressed in due course. Bangladesh also requested China not to press the matter at this time.
When approached for a comment at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday, Spokesperson Rafiqul Alam declined to make a statement. Ministry sources, however, emphasized that Dhaka-Beijing relations are not confined to a single issue but extend to multiple areas of cooperation.
China specifically pointed out that the Class 4 Ebtedayee madrasa textbook Bangladesh and Global Studies incorrectly portrays China-India borders, particularly regarding Zangnan (Arunachal Pradesh) and Aksai Chin. Additionally, the Class 9-10 textbook of the same title lists Hong Kong and Taiwan as separate countries, which China strongly opposes.
Despite the dispute, China has reiterated its strong relationship with Bangladesh, built on mutual respect for sovereignty and cooperation. Beijing expects Bangladesh to uphold the One
China policy, correct the inaccuracies, and ensure such errors do not recur in the future.
Nevertheless, Dhaka-Beijing relations have expanded into multiple sectors and continue to strengthen despite government transitions. Bangladesh has consistently adhered to the One China policy and has emerged as an important development partner of China.