Dhaka, Beijing aim to cement future relations
The upcoming visit of Foreign Minister, Khalilur Rahman, to Beijing in the first week of May marks a significant moment in the evolving diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and China in the coming days.
Sources said that this visit, taking place from 5 to 6 May at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, represents the first major diplomatic outreach to China since the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, assumed office in February.
The mission is underpinned by a revitalised “Bangladesh First” foreign policy, which seeks to prioritise national interest through enhanced trade, investment, and strategic infrastructure development, according to Foreign Ministry.
With a long history of collaboration dating back to the tenure of late President Ziaur Rahman and carried forward by his wife, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, the BNP’s relationship with China has always been a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s foreign policy.
China has long been a key partner for Bangladesh, not only in terms of economic cooperation but also in political and strategic realms, experts said.
“This visit has the potential to strengthen the foundation of bilateral ties, as China has always been a time-tested friend to Bangladesh.
Beijing maintains its relationship regardless of changes in our government,” Md Obaidul Haque, Associate Professor in the Department of International Relations at Dhaka University, told The New Nation on Monday.
BNP’s Bangladesh First policy appears to be focused on a pragmatic approach, seeking to strengthen country’s international standing while prioritising trade, investment, and strategic support in global forums.
“China fully understands Bangladesh’s needs. This Bangladesh First policy is in line with their focus, and China is aware of it. I believe this visit will pave the way for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s future visit to China,” Obaidul Haque stated Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman’s visit to China in May comes at a crucial time when both nations are seeking to expand their bilateral engagements in a variety of sectors. He will likely to be accompanied by Prime Minister’s Foreign Adviser Humayun Kabir.
Foreign Ministry sources said the discussions during this visit will focus on several key issues, including the modernisation of the Mongla Port, the Teesta Master Plan, and securing a $2 billion assistance package from China to maintain country’s economic stability.
The meeting between Rahman and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will also address matters of mutual interest, such as the potential for increasing exports of jackfruit to China, the introduction of direct flights between Guangzhou-Chattogram and Shanghai-Chattogram, the transfer of Chinese industries to Bangladesh, and China’s support for Bangladesh’s candidacy for the presidency of the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
Furthermore, the two sides are expected to discuss the ongoing Rohingya crisis and explore ways to collaborate in resolving the issue.
“There is much Bangladesh can gain from China. The BNP government should focus on fostering win-win cooperation with China, as it has the capacity to provide financial and technical assistance.
This is an area that the BNP should prioritise,” Obaidul Haque pointed out.
China’s interest in strengthening ties with Bangladesh is not new. For decades, the relationship has been grounded in economic cooperation, infrastructural development, and military support, he added.
China is currently Bangladesh’s largest trade partner, with over a quarter of the country’s total imports coming from China.
Additionally, numerous mega-projects funded by China, such as the construction of power plants, highways, and the Padma Bridge Rail Link, bear testament to the depth of this partnership.
One of the key challenges in the bilateral trade relationship, however, is the substantial trade imbalance.
While Bangladesh exports a range of products to China, including textiles and agricultural goods, its exports remain far below the level of imports from China.
Experts said that BNP government should focus on this area how to bridge the trade gap.
The recent engagement of Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen with BNP government shows that both countries are exploring avenues to address this imbalance, with discussions underway regarding a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and enhanced cooperation in digital economies, agriculture, and industrial relocation.
The strategic importance of the Bangladesh-China relationship is further underscored by China’s role as the largest supplier of military equipment to Bangladesh.
From fighter jets to naval assets, China has provided significant support to Bangladesh’s defence sector, sources said.
As the current global geopolitical landscape becomes increasingly complex including the Middle East war, Bangladesh is seeking to maintain a balanced diplomatic strategy, engaging with both regional and global powers.
Political dialogue between the BNP and China has also been strengthened in recent months.
A high-level delegation from the BNP, led by Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, recently visited China to meet with senior members of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Both parties have expressed a mutual interest in further solidifying their political relationship, with discussions around a memorandum of understanding expected to take place after further negotiations.
The recent visits of Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman to India and Brussels, followed by his upcoming trip to China, indicate that Bangladesh is pursuing a policy of multi-faceted diplomacy, seeking to engage with major global powers while safeguarding its own national interests, experts said.
