Sagar Rahman, Dhaka:
Amid growing geopolitical competition in South Asia and Bangladesh’s efforts to diversify economic and strategic partnerships, recent high-level exchanges between Dhaka and Beijing indicate a clear acceleration in bilateral engagement. Following Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman’s recent visit to China and the publication of the first-ever joint statement between the two countries, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen has said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s upcoming China visit is expected to further strengthen the “comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership” between the two sides.
Speaking at a roundtable discussion titled “China-Bangladesh Governance Experience Exchange” at InterContinental Dhaka, Yao said relations between Bangladesh and China had reached “a new height” since the new government in Dhaka assumed office. His remarks reflect Beijing’s growing diplomatic focus on Bangladesh as an important regional partner with strategic economic and geopolitical significance.
The ambassador highlighted China’s continued support for Bangladesh’s sovereignty, political stability and development priorities while also thanking Dhaka for maintaining support for the “One China” policy. Analysts see such messaging as part of Beijing’s broader effort to reinforce political trust alongside economic cooperation.
Yao pointed to several ongoing and proposed Chinese-backed initiatives, including the Teesta River master plan, modernization of Mongla Port and infrastructure support for University of Dhaka. He also expressed interest in expanding collaboration in renewable energy, electric vehicles and information technology — sectors central to Bangladesh’s long-term economic transformation.
According to the ambassador, Chinese companies invested nearly $10 crore in Bangladesh after the formation of the new government, generating around 10,000 jobs. He also highlighted increasing people-to-people connectivity, noting that China has already issued visas to 32,000 Bangladeshis this year, while 45 direct flights now operate weekly between the two countries.
The growing pace of engagement suggests Dhaka and Beijing are moving beyond traditional infrastructure cooperation toward a broader strategic relationship encompassing governance, trade, connectivity, technology and regional diplomacy. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s upcoming visit is therefore expected to serve not only as a diplomatic milestone but also as an opportunity to institutionalise deeper long-term cooperation between the two countries.
