Bangladesh bets on China, despite attempts to restore relations with India – BBC
Kyiv • UNN
The new government of Bangladesh, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is intensifying cooperation with China to attract investments. At the same time, Dhaka is trying to normalize relations with India, which is concerned about the rapprochement with Beijing.
Bangladesh's new government intensifies cooperation with China, seeking to attract investment to revive the economy, while simultaneously trying to normalize relations with India after a prolonged period of tension. This is reported by BBC, writes UNN.
Details
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman made his first official visit to Malaysia and China after coming to power. Analysts believe that the trip to Beijing was a key signal of a shift in Dhaka's foreign policy priorities. During the negotiations, the parties agreed on the development of a special economic zone near the port of Mongla and conducting a technical study on the management of the Teesta River.
India closely monitors the rapprochement between Dhaka and Beijing
As BBC notes, India perceives China's involvement in projects near its border as a matter of national security, especially due to the strategic importance of the area near the so-called "Chicken's Neck" – a narrow corridor connecting mainland India with its northeastern states.
At the same time, after the victory of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party in the elections, both countries began to gradually restore dialogue. Bus service was partially restored, India is again issuing tourist visas to Bangladeshi citizens, and during the fuel crisis this year, Delhi organized fuel supplies via a cross-border pipeline.
Despite this, serious disagreements remain between the countries. Dhaka demands the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who received asylum in India after being overthrown, and also criticizes the actions of Indian border guards towards migrants. Meanwhile, China is already the largest arms supplier to Bangladesh and one of the country's main investors, strengthening its influence in the region.