Opportunities for Bangladesh to shape a shared future with China

Al Mamun Harun Ur Rashid :

Chinese President Xi Jinping has once again outlined a vision that stretches far beyond the borders of his own country—a vision that imagines a peaceful, cooperative, and prosperous Asia where neighbours including Bangladesh can thrive together.
At the central conference on neighborhood diplomacy held in Beijing on April 8 and 9, President Xi, also the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivered a significant speech that offered both strategic depth and a clear diplomatic direction.
His message was rooted in realism and hope: China is ready to work with its neighbours, extending its hand in cooperation and friendship to those within its regional sphere. For Bangladesh, this renewed diplomatic overture comes at a critical juncture and offers an opportunity to redefine and reinvigorate its own regional and international engagement.
During the two-day conference, President Xi scientifically analysed the current regional and global environment and laid out China’s goals, tasks, and priorities in managing its neighborhood relations.
The conference reiterated that neighborhood diplomacy is a key pillar of China’s foreign policy. China’s neighborhood is not only a geographic reality but also a strategic priority, encompassing national development, regional stability, and shared human progress.
Xi clearly articulated that China seeks to build a future with its neighbours that is rooted in peace, mutual trust, and shared economic prosperity.
China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the main platform for infrastructure connectivity, economic integration, and people-to-people exchanges, remains a central mechanism through which this vision is being operationalised.
At a moment when global geopolitics is marked by increasing polarisation and economic uncertainty as well as trade war, Bangladesh finds itself in a unique position. It has enjoyed longstanding ties with China, marked by growing economic cooperation, political non-interference, and strategic alignment.
China, Bangladesh’s largest trading partner with around $25 billion in trade, is a key investor in major infrastructure like the Dhaka Elevated Expressway, Padma Bridge Rail Link, and power projects—visible symbols of its commitment to the country’s development.
Unlike Western aid models that often come with strict conditions and policy prescriptions, China offers an alternative approach based on mutual respect and non-interference. This provides Bangladesh with the flexibility to align its development trajectory with national priorities.
After the changeover of the previous government through mass uprising, Bangladesh under the current Interim Government is hovering for economic growth and reform works. Strong partnership with China has become crucial for sustainable and inclusive growth for Bangladesh.
Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus’s recent visit to China, including meetings with President Xi Jinping and key stakeholders, strengthened bilateral ties by sharing his insights on social business, poverty alleviation, and inclusive growth.
Professor Yunus’s message of empowering individuals through entrepreneurship and innovation complements China’s own focus on common and shared prosperity. His visit reflects the growing people-to-people connectivity that has the potential to enrich the relationship.
Bangladesh can now respond President Xi’s call for a ‘shared future’ by channeling China’s cooperation and expertise into areas like digital infrastructure, green energy, education, and industrial development, while upholding its balanced foreign policy. By aligning with Chinese manufacturing interests and integrating into regional value chains, Bangladesh can not only attract more investment in its Special Economic Zones (SEZs) but also boost its export capacity and create meaningful employment for its young population.
To board Xi’s ship for a shared future, deeper engagement with China is essential across all levels—not just the government, but also business leaders, scholars, and think tanks—to build trust and align with China’s vision for peaceful regional development.
Since ancient times, Bangladesh and China have shared deep-rooted connections. Geographically, the Brahmaputra River originates in China, where it is called Yarlung Tsangpo, and then flows through Bangladesh.
Culturally, the visits of several Chinese scholars to Bengal and the contributions of the renowned Bengali Buddhist scholar Atish Dipankar have played a key role in strengthening the ties between the two nations. Diplomatic relations, formally established in 1975, have since matured, and this year marks the 50th anniversary—a milestone that offers a renewed opportunity for strengthened cooperation.
In a recent gesture of support, China has allowed four hospitals in Kunming to treat Bangladeshi patients, paving the way for timely medical collaboration. Furthermore, China’s expressed interest in opening hospitals in Bangladesh has been warmly received by the Bangladeshi people, who view the move as a sign of friendship and a potential boost to the country’s healthcare system.
With shared values, growing economic ties, and a mutual interest in regional peace, Bangladesh and China have every reason to move forward together. By doing so, Bangladesh can ensure that its future is not only secure but also deeply interconnected with one of the most dynamic forces shaping the 21st century.

(The writer is a Diplomatic Correspondent to the New Nation)