China courts Bangladesh’s political spectrum

Al Mamun Harun Ur Rashid :

China is expanding its diplomatic outreach in Bangladesh by strengthening political engagement with various parties beyond traditional government-to-government relations, signalling a strategic shift towards more robust party-to-party diplomacy.

Experts view this approach as a reflection of Beijing’s intention to better understand Bangladesh’s evolving political dynamics, particularly in the wake of recent political changes that saw the departure of the Awami League-led government.

As part of this outreach, the Communist Party of China (CPC) hosted a high-level delegation from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, for a five-day visit beginning on 22 June. During their meetings with senior CPC officials, the BNP delegation discussed a wide range of bilateral issues and explored ways to enhance party-level ties.

Following the visit, Mirza Fakhrul described the engagement as an opportunity to deepen what he called the “brotherly” relations between Bangladesh and China, expressing hope for even stronger cooperation in the future.

Earlier in February, China welcomed a 21-member Bangladesh Friendship Delegation led by BNP Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan. The group, comprising leaders from eight political parties, including five representatives from BNP and its affiliated bodies, visited Beijing, Shaanxi, and Yunnan. They participated in high-level discussions on bilateral cooperation, regional development, and China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

According to Chinese authorities, the purpose of these visits was to reinforce multiparty engagement with Bangladesh, particularly after the political realignment in August 2024. The delegations included student leaders from the July-August movement, scholars, and journalists, adding depth to the exchanges.

During these meetings, CPC leaders reaffirmed China’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Bangladesh across sectors and welcomed BNP’s endorsement of the One China policy, a cornerstone of Beijing’s international diplomacy. In response, the CPC viewed this stance as a gesture of mutual trust and respect for Chinese sovereignty.

Sun Haiyan, Vice Minister of the CPC’s International Department, described Bangladesh as a potential “closest and most trusted friend” of China in the region, signalling a deepening of bilateral ties regardless of which political party holds power in Dhaka.

Speaking to The New Nation, Sheikh Shams Morsalin, Associate Professor of International Relations at Dhaka University, said China’s growing political engagement is both strategic and pragmatic. “Beijing is keen to understand Bangladesh’s political trajectory, especially given its substantial investments and economic interests here,” he said. “Such engagement helps dispel mistrust and paves the way for long-term cooperation.”

He noted that China’s professional approach to foreign relations contrasts with India’s more cautious posture in Bangladesh’s post-Awami League era. “While India continues to maintain close ties with the former ruling party, it has avoided deeper contact with the BNP, creating an impression of partisanship,” he added. “China, on the other hand, is positioning itself as a neutral, development-focused partner.”

Professor Morsalin also highlighted China’s ambitions under the Belt and Road Initiative, particularly its interest in leveraging Bangladesh’s ports and infrastructure to strengthen regional connectivity. “A well-calibrated relationship can deliver mutual gains, especially in trade, investment, and regional influence,” he said.

During the visit, BNP leaders proposed broader collaboration in areas such as digital technology, semiconductors, renewable energy, healthcare, higher education, communication, modern agriculture, SMEs, and the blue economy. According to Fakhrul, Chinese officials responded positively to these proposals, reflecting Beijing’s readiness to expand cooperation beyond traditional sectors.

Following the invitation extended to the BNP leadership, including acting chairman Tarique Rahman, China reiterated its commitment to engaging with all major stakeholders in Bangladesh. This outreach complements earlier diplomatic overtures, including a formal invitation to Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus, who met with President Xi Jinping in Beijing.

President Xi has repeatedly emphasised that strong ties with neighbouring countries are central to China’s foreign policy. According to diplomatic sources, the Chinese government views Bangladesh as a key partner in the region, especially in light of its strategic location and economic potential.
As Bangladesh undergoes political transition and navigates economic headwinds, China’s balanced engagement with its political spectrum signals a long-term strategy to remain a key development and diplomatic ally in South Asia.