[🇧🇩] China is a Time Tested Friend and a Strategic Partner of Bangladesh

[Bilal9]

Chief adviser to visit China on 26 March

Both sides have been working for around a week over the chief adviser’s China trip, but are yet to finalise the itinerary and agenda.

en.prothomalo.com

Chief adviser to visit China on 26 March
Diplomatic Correspondent
Dhaka
Published: 06 Mar 2025, 20: 21

View attachment 15205
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad YunusFile photo

Chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus is set to visit China on 26 March. Efforts are underway to arrange a bilateral meeting between Professor Yunus and Chinese president Xi Jinping in Beijing on 28 March, diplomatic sources in Dhaka confirmed.

According to sources, Professor Yunus will first attend the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) conference in Hainan province from 25 to 28 March. Later, he is expected to travel to Beijing for high-level discussions with the Chinese president.

Officials concerned said both sides have been working for around a week over the chief adviser’s China trip, but are yet to finalise the itinerary and agenda.

Zhang Jun, secretary general of the BFA, invited the chief adviser to attend the BFA conference in China. Later, the Chinese authorities proposed hosting Professor Yunus in Beijing in March to commemorate 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The BFA invitation letter mentioned arranging a chartered aircraft from China for his travel to Beijing.

Foreign ministry officials noted that the chief adviser is likely to depart for Beijing in the afternoon of 26 March, following independence and national day celebrations. Considering the long distance between Hainan and Beijing, a chartered aircraft might be used for the chief adviser’s trip, and the proposal of China might be considered here.

The BFA is a platform where political leaders, entrepreneurs, business leaders, and academics discuss key global issues. The conference’s theme is “Asia in the changing world: towards a shared future” and it will focus on development, fostering dialogue, innovative solutions, and assessing practical outcomes to strengthen international cooperation.

Following the political changeover on 5 August, China has been working closely to deepen bilateral relations with Bangladesh. They are trying to showcase their intention by hosting the chief adviser on the golden jubilee of bilateral relations.​

The Boao Forum Asia or what is generally known as "Asian Davos" is a forum that takes its name from the town of Boao, located in China's southern Hainan province, which has been the permanent venue for its annual conference since 2002.

The Forum is committed to promoting regional economic integration and bringing Asian countries closer to their development goals.

Initiated in 1998 by Fidel V. Ramos, former President of the Philippines, Bob Hawke, former Prime Minister of Australia, and Morihiro Hosokawa, former Prime Minister of Japan, the forum concentrates on integrating and furthering development of Asian region economies, especially less developed ones.

The fact that Zhang Jun, secretary general of the BFA, invited the chief adviser to attend the BFA conference in China and also proposed hosting Professor Yunus in Beijing in March to commemorate 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries is proof that China honors the economic and political relationship with Bangladesh and accords it proper importance and respect.

 

[Saif]

Challenges in advancing China-Bangladesh ties

As Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus prepares to visit China from March 26 to 28 to attend the Boao Forum in Hainan, the diplomatic community is closely watching the developments. This visit comes at a critical juncture for Bangladesh, particularly in the light of its strained relations with India f

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Challenges in advancing China-Bangladesh ties
MIR MOSTAFIZUR RAHAMAN
Published :
Mar 10, 2025 23:50
Updated :
Mar 10, 2025 23:50

As Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus prepares to visit China from March 26 to 28 to attend the Boao Forum in Hainan, the diplomatic community is closely watching the developments. This visit comes at a critical juncture for Bangladesh, particularly in the light of its strained relations with India following the fall of the previous regime. Once hailed as a model of neighborhood diplomacy, the Indo-Bangladesh relationship has faced significant challenges, prompting Dhaka to recalibrate its foreign policy priorities. Against this backdrop, Dr. Yunus's visit to China is seen as a strategic move to strengthen bilateral ties, which are increasingly centered on trade, development, and geopolitics. However, while the potential for deepening cooperation is significant, several challenges must be addressed to ensure a balanced and mutually beneficial partnership.

China is Bangladesh's largest trading partner, with bilateral trade exceeding $20 billion annually. However, the trade relationship is heavily skewed in China's favor, with Bangladesh importing far more than it exports. This imbalance has raised concerns among Bangladeshi policymakers, who fear that signing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with China by 2026, as Beijing desires, could further undermine the local manufacturing sector. The government has been cautious about committing to the FTA, wary of the potential influx of Chinese goods that could stifle domestic industries.

To address the trade gap, China has promised to start importing more Bangladeshi products, including mangoes and other agricultural goods. While this is a positive step, it remains to be seen whether such measures will be sufficient to bridge the trade deficit. Bangladesh must also diversify its export basket and improve product quality to compete in the Chinese market. The FTA negotiations will require careful handling to ensure that Bangladesh's economic interests are protected while fostering a more balanced trade relationship.

China has played a pivotal role in financing and implementing mega infrastructure projects in Bangladesh, including roads, bridges, and power plants. These projects have been instrumental in addressing Bangladesh's infrastructure deficit and supporting its economic growth. However, allegations of inflated project costs during the previous regime have cast a shadow over this cooperation. Critics argue that some projects were overpriced to benefit the ruling elite in Bangladesh, raising questions about transparency and accountability.

Moreover, delays in project implementation have been a persistent issue, with both Chinese and Bangladeshi bureaucracies contributing to the slow progress. While China has agreed in principle to relax loan repayment terms and extend grace periods, bureaucratic inefficiencies on both sides continue to hinder timely project completion. Addressing these challenges will require greater coordination, transparency, and accountability to ensure that development projects deliver their intended benefits without unnecessary delays or controversies.

Bangladesh's growing ties with China are being closely monitored by India, a traditional regional rival of China, as well as by the United States and its allies. As the Indo-Pacific region becomes a focal point of global geopolitics, Bangladesh finds itself navigating a complex web of alliances and rivalries. India, in particular, views Bangladesh's deepening engagement with China with suspicion, given its own strained relations with Beijing. This dynamic complicates Dhaka's efforts to maintain a balanced foreign policy that accommodates both its neighbors and global powers.

The interim government's reluctance to join China's Global Development Initiative (GDI) and Global Security Initiative (GSI) underscores the delicate nature of this balancing act. While these initiatives align with China's broader strategic goals, Bangladesh has opted to defer its participation until an elected government assumes power. This cautious approach reflects Dhaka's desire to avoid alienating India and the West while exploring opportunities for cooperation with China.

China has emerged as Bangladesh's largest supplier of defense equipment, accounting for a significant share of its military imports. Beijing's offer to further strengthen military ties presents both opportunities and challenges for Dhaka. On the one hand, closer defense cooperation could enhance Bangladesh's military capabilities and contribute to regional stability. On the other hand, it risks provoking concerns among India and other members of the anti-China bloc, potentially complicating Bangladesh's diplomatic relations.

The interim government must tread carefully in this area, ensuring that its defense engagements with China do not undermine its broader foreign policy objectives. Transparency and clear communication with regional partners will be essential to mitigate any potential fallout from closer military ties with Beijing.

The Rohingya crisis remains one of the most pressing challenges for Bangladesh, with over a million refugees living in overcrowded camps in Cox's Bazar. China, as a key ally of Myanmar, wields significant influence over the situation and is seen as a potential mediator in resolving the crisis. Beijing's support will be crucial in facilitating the repatriation of Rohingya refugees and addressing the root causes of the conflict in Myanmar's Rakhine State.

The visit of Dr. Yunus to China provides an opportunity to discuss this issue and seek Beijing's assistance in finding a sustainable solution.

Recently, China has announced to dedicate major hospitals in Kunming for Bangladeshi patients. The development took place on the heel of visa curb on Bangladeshis by India as it has deprived hundreds of Bangladeshi patients in having treatment in Indian hospitals. China has also pledged to build state of the art hospitals in Bangladesh. All these are seen as a very positive gesture from the China side. The first batch of the Bangladeshi patients landed in Kunming on March 10.

If all goes well, this can be a golden opportunity for Bangladeshi patients but there is a need to address the cost issue. In case it proves too expensive compared to treatment India, the scheme would fail to reap any dividend.

The Teesta River Comprehensive Management Project is another key focus of the chief adviser's visit. The previous government's decision to exclude China from the project after lengthy negotiations sparked controversy and raised questions about the transparency of the decision-making process. With pressure mounting from communities in the Teesta River basin for a concrete resolution, the interim government must carefully navigate this sensitive issue.

Re-engaging China in the Teesta project could provide technical and financial support, but it also risks complicating relations with India, which has its own interests in the river's water-sharing arrangements. Balancing these competing interests will require skillful diplomacy and a clear-eyed assessment of Bangladesh's long-term priorities.

As Bangladesh and China prepare to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations, the challenges and opportunities in their partnership are more apparent than ever. Chief Adviser Dr. Yunus's visit to China underscores the importance of the bilateral relationship in shaping Bangladesh's economic and geopolitical future. However, advancing bilateral ties will require addressing trade imbalances, ensuring transparency in development projects, and navigating the complexities of regional and global geopolitics.

Bangladesh's diplomats must approach these challenges with a clear strategy, balancing the need for economic cooperation with the imperative of safeguarding national interests. By fostering a relationship based on mutual respect and shared benefits, Bangladesh and China can build a partnership that not only strengthens their bilateral ties but also contributes to regional stability and prosperity. The road ahead is fraught with challenges, but with careful navigation, the potential for a stronger and more resilient partnership is within reach.​

 

[Saif]

New chapter opens in Sino-Bangla ties

The first batch of Bangladeshi patients reached China’s Kunming city for medical treatment on Monday, marking a new chapter in the bilateral ties between the East Asian country and Bangladesh

www.thedailystar.net

New chapter opens in Sino-Bangla ties
First batch of Bangladeshis arrive in China for medical treatment

Photo: Naziba Basher

The first batch of Bangladeshi patients reached China's Kunming city for medical treatment on Monday, marking a new chapter in the bilateral ties between the East Asian country and Bangladesh.

The development came as the nations are celebrating the golden jubilee of friendship.

The delegation comprised 14 patients, three of whom were children with congenital heart disease, along with their attendants, five doctors, and five travel agency representatives. The patients and their family members will undergo medical check-ups and receive treatment at designated hospitals, while the doctors and travel agents will assess hospital facilities, accommodation, and travel arrangements.

During a trip to China earlier this year, Bangladesh's Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain proposed strengthening bilateral ties in public health, requesting China to facilitate medical treatment for Bangladeshi patients, among other proposals.

To accommodate Bangladeshi patients, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen, during a press conference at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, said the visa process will be expedited as soon as possible to ensure there is no delay in treatment.

Accompanying the delegation were 10 journalists from different media houses in Bangladesh.

After landing in Yunnan province's Kunming, all the patients, doctors, travel agents, and journalists were welcomed at the VIP reception area of Kunming Airport.

Bangladesh Ambassador to China Nazmul Islam; Md Khaled, Bangladesh's consul general in Kunming; former Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming; Yang Shaocheng, director general of the Foreign Affairs Office of the People's Government of Yunnan Province; and Wang Jiankun, deputy director general of the province's Health Commission welcomed all those who travelled from Bangladesh.

In his speech, Nazmul Islam said this visit opened a new chapter in the ever-growing friendship between the two nations. "As we gather in the beautiful city of Kunming, we not only celebrate an important initiative in health cooperation but also commemorate a historic milestone -- the 50th anniversary of the Bangladesh-China diplomatic relations.

"Our relationship, rooted in history, has evolved into a comprehensive strategic partnership encompassing political, economic, trade, defence, culture, and now, this new cooperation in the health sector. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1975, our countries have worked closely on a range of initiatives, overcoming challenges and embracing new opportunities. China has been a steadfast partner in Bangladesh's journey towards development, supporting our infrastructure projects and our industrialisation efforts."

He added, "As we celebrate this special anniversary, we take a significant step towards enhancing people-to-people relationships through healthcare cooperation. The launch of this cooperation is a landmark achievement that will not only benefit the people of Bangladesh but also strengthen the bonds of friendship between our two nations. Through this initiative, Bangladeshi patients will have access to world-class medical facilities in China, receiving specialised treatment and care. This pilot initiative will lay the foundation for a structured, long-term healthcare cooperation program between our two countries."

Nazmul also said this visit presents an invaluable opportunity for medical professionals to engage in a meaningful knowledge exchange. "The participation of Bangladeshi doctors in this initiative will enable them to gain exposure to China's advanced medical practices, innovative methodologies, and cutting-edge research."

After the reception, the patients were taken to their designated hospitals – some for check-ups, some for treatment.

Three of the patients -- Al Fuad Ahmed Sajid, 10; Yeamin Ibne Ripon, 8, from Dhaka; and Partha Das, 18 months old -- were admitted to the pediatric ward of Fuwai Yunnan Hospital under the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. All three of them have holes in their hearts.

Fuwai Yunnan Hospital is one of the most advanced hospitals specialising in cardiovascular diseases in China. With state-of-the-art machinery and technology, it has earned itself a triple-A rating. It also has the only AI-generated MRI machine in the country.

Speaking to The Daily Star on Tuesday (March 11), Sajid's mother, Mosammat Selina Akhter, said, "We came all the way from Kishoreganj under this initiative [by the two governments]. Earlier, Sajid was admitted to the National Heart Foundation [in Bangladesh]. After we came here, we were pleasantly surprised by the behavior of the doctors and other staffers and also their facilities. We are very hopeful about his treatment."

Partha's mother, Suchanda Rani Das, had similar hopes after coming to the hospital.

Mohammad Ripon Khan, father of Yeamin, said, "So far, everything has been going well. The only problem we face is the language barrier. The doctors do not understand us, and we do not understand them. But thankfully, we have someone who helps us with translation and interpretation."

Speaking to a translator accompanying five paediatric patients from Cambodia, this correspondent learned the process the hospital follows with foreign patients.

"After admission, they spend around a day or two doing relevant tests on the patient to check which areas need focus. After that, they discuss with specialists, most of the time from Beijing, and set a suitable date for the surgery, which takes around two to three hours. Once the surgery is over, the child is sent to the paediatric ICU for initial recovery, which also only takes a couple of days. The child is then sent back to the ward to be under observation for a few days, and once the doctors think the patient is fit enough for physical activity, they are sent back. The whole process doesn't take more than a week," Sokhon, the translator for Cambodian patients, said.

Dr Wan Chinchin from the Radiology Department explained the risks of untreated congenital heart disease. "In Sajid's case, if left untreated, his condition could lead to heart failure or cardiac arrhythmia. However, the whole procedure could be done quickly. It may vary from patient to patient, but we hope he can return to physical activity very soon."

Fuwai Yunnan Cardiovascular Hospital sees around 24-30 foreign pediatric patients among 300,000 patients each year.

After the tests, the children were visited by Bangladesh Ambassador to China Nazmul Islam and former Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming, who handed out gifts to the patients.​

 

[Saif]

A new healthcare destination for BD patients

Bangladeshi patients seeking to get treatment abroad have a new destination---China---close to their homes. The latter has come forward to fill the vacuum created by India, the next-door neighbour. Indian High Commission in Bangladesh has reduced the issuance of visas, medical or otherwise, to a la

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

A new healthcare destination for BD patients
FE
Published :
Mar 12, 2025 22:46
Updated :
Mar 12, 2025 22:46

Bangladeshi patients seeking to get treatment abroad have a new destination---China---close to their homes. The latter has come forward to fill the vacuum created by India, the next-door neighbour. Indian High Commission in Bangladesh has reduced the issuance of visas, medical or otherwise, to a large extent since the political changeover in August last. Chinese ambassador Yao Wen on Monday last saw off the first batch of Bangladeshi patients, doctors and travel agency representatives at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on its way to Kunming, the capital city of the Chinese province of Yunnan. Though some patients will receive treatment in at least four hospitals, specially selected by the Chinese authorities for doctors and travel agency representatives, it will be more of a familiarization and assessment one. The first-hand experience is going to be very crucial in deciding the next move, by both Bangladeshi patients and Chinese authorities.

India remains the most preferred destination for Bangladesh nationals seeking medical help because of proximity, cost, improved medical facilities and care taken by doctors and medical staff. According to data available from the Tourism Ministry of India, around 2.5 million Bangladeshi medical tourists go to India every year and spend around $500 million. Some Bangladeshi hospitals too have well-qualified doctors and modern diagnostic and other facilities, but unprofessional behaviour of healthcare professionals forces many middle-class patients to seek treatment in India. The affluent people, however, prefer Thailand and Singapore to India for expensive treatment. Despite widespread criticism, many Bangladeshi physicians have hardly given up their unprofessional attitude.

Why do patients in large numbers go to India? Proximity is an issue, no doubt. Barring the expenditure made on travel and accommodation, the money spent on treatment is almost equivalent, or slightly more than Bangladesh. But what is appreciated most by the patients is the attention the Indian doctors and nurses pay to them. This is an area that deserves serious attention from Bangladeshi physicians and other medical staff employed in both private and public health facilities. Then again, Hindi is slightly understood by many Bangladeshi patients and Indian hospitals also engage Bengali-speaking staff to facilitate better communication. Even some hospitals in Thailand and Singapore are also doing the same.

There are some issues involving the use of Chinese health facilities by foreign nationals. Access to Chinese hospitals will not be as easy as it happens with their Indian counterparts where outside patients are free to choose doctors or hospitals and contact them directly via email. Here, Chinese authorities will nominate hospitals where Bangladeshi patients will seek treatment, possibly, via some selected travel agents. Access will not be open and smooth like other destinations, including Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. Besides, language will be a major barrier unless the Chinese authorities employ interpreters. The Chinese ambassador has expressed his country's intention to include more Chinese cities and hospitals to offer better healthcare service to Bangladeshi patients. To make that happen, free communication between Bangladeshi patients and Chinese hospitals needs to be ensured. Affordability, in terms of cost, will be another important issue. Kunming hospitals will be a better choice, as far as weather and proximity are concerned. Besides, Yunnan is one of the oldest centres of traditional medicine in the world. Many Bangladeshis, depending on their desire and Chinese authorities' permission, can even have treatment at hospitals that offer treatment based only on traditional medicine. Hopefully, China will do whatever is necessary to make Chinese hospitals affordable and easily accessible to Bangladeshis.​

 

[Saif]

https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/foreign-affairs/376047/bangladesh-eyes-deeper-ties-with-china-ahead-of

Bangladesh eyes deeper ties with China ahead of Yunus’s visit
Talks will cover trade, health, agriculture, and energy cooperation

Photo: Collected
Sheikh Shahariar ZamanSheikh Shahariar Zaman
Publish : 12 Mar 2025, 09:00 AMUpdate : 12 Mar 2025, 10:17 AM

The government is preparing for Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus’s visit to China.

An inter-ministerial meeting, chaired by the foreign secretary, was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday to discuss Bangladesh’s agenda for a key meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The discussions covered political relations, trade, health, water, foreign loans, agriculture, connectivity and energy cooperation.

The foreign ministry is working to finalize the specific issues Bangladesh will present during the talks.

A senior foreign ministry official said various ministries presented cooperation proposals related to China at the inter-ministerial meeting, including a list of key projects.

In coordination with the Chief Adviser’s Office, Bangladesh’s stance for the bilateral meeting with President Xi will be determined, they added.

Tentative itinerary

The chief adviser is scheduled to leave for China on March 26 to attend the Boao Forum for Asia Conference in Hainan Province.

On March 27, he will deliver a speech at the conference’s opening plenary session. He may also meet with China’s Executive Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang.

On March 28, Chief Adviser Yunus is set to meet President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. On the same day, he will visit a high-tech enterprise under Huawei. Additionally, a leading Chinese media outlet will conduct an interview with him.

On March 29, Peking University will confer an honorary doctorate on Professor Yunus, where he will also deliver a speech. He is expected to return to Dhaka on the same day.

Health cooperation

A significant number of Bangladeshis seek medical treatment abroad, with India being a primary destination.

However, due to visa complications, patients with critical illnesses are facing difficulties.

Bangladesh has requested China to designate four hospitals in Kunming specifically for Bangladeshi patients, ensuring a supportive treatment environment.

The first batch of Bangladeshi patients departed for China on Monday.

Dhaka has also proposed that Beijing assist in establishing a world-class hospital in Bangladesh. This initiative aims to provide advanced medical facilities domestically while maintaining an option for treatment in China.

A government official said: “Whether Bangladeshis choose to seek treatment in China will depend on their experience. The first batch of patients is crucial, as their feedback could influence future decisions.”

The hospital project falls within the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, which is expected to take necessary initiatives.

Trade and economic collaboration

Bangladesh is exploring opportunities to establish sunset industries—industries in decline in China—within its territory.

This move would benefit both nations by creating jobs in Bangladesh while allowing China to continue profiting from these industries.

Regarding agricultural cooperation, an official said: “As in many countries, the younger generation in Bangladesh is losing interest in farming. Mechanization is essential for higher productivity with fewer workers. China has made significant advancements in agricultural technology, and we could seek assistance in this sector.”

The prospect of launching a direct Chittagong-Kunming flight is also under discussion, with efforts underway to implement the plan.

Political relations, strategic balance

As the world’s second-largest economy, China aspires to become the leading global power. Given this geopolitical landscape, Bangladesh must carefully navigate its position among major regional and global powers to safeguard its national interests.

A government official said: “Bangladesh has been part of one of China’s four global initiatives since 2016.”

China launched the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2013, and during President Xi’s visit to Dhaka in 2016, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the two countries.

More recently, China has introduced three additional initiatives—Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilization Initiative.

During Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to Dhaka in 2022, he invited Bangladesh to join the Global Development Initiative.

A foreign ministry official said: “The proposal is under review. We are evaluating its various aspects before making a decision.”​

 

[Saif]

https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/foreign-affairs/376143/what-to-expect-from-yunus%E2%80%99s-china-trip

What to expect from Yunus’s China trip
If everything goes as planned, Dr Muhammad Yunus will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on March 28

Combination picture of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. Photo: AFP
Sheikh Shahariar ZamanSheikh Shahariar Zaman
Publish : 13 Mar 2025, 10:00 AMUpdate : 13 Mar 2025, 10:00 AM

Against the backdrop of strained relations between Dhaka and Delhi and the second tenure of Donald Trump as the US president, Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus is set to visit China later this month.

If everything goes as planned, Yunus will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on March 28.

Along with discussions on bilateral relations, the two leaders may also address the evolving geopolitical landscape.

The meeting is expected to focus on three of Xi’s global initiatives: the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI) and the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI).

Given the circumstances, Dhaka is placing significant importance on this visit.

A senior official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Dhaka considered the chief adviser’s visit to China very important, adding that preparations for this visit had already begun.

"During this visit, there will be a meeting between President Xi Jinping and the chief adviser in Beijing. Additionally, the chief adviser will address the Boao Forum for Asia."

BFA and possible agreements

The chief adviser was invited to attend the Boao Forum for Asia conference to be held in China’s Hainan province from March 25 to 28.

The decision for him to participate was finalized after confirming the meeting with the Chinese president.

Several sources indicate that if both sides agree, multiple agreements may be signed during this visit.

One official said Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Tauhid Hossain visited China in January and discussed high-level visits in celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

They mentioned that throughout the year, both countries would organize various events.

"China is Bangladesh’s largest trading partner. Additionally, Chinese investors are interested in Bangladesh. Investment relations could be a key focus during this visit."

Changing geopolitical dynamics

Diplomacy is never static. A country that is friendly today may change its stance tomorrow based on interests or other factors.

For instance, before August 5, India worked closely with Bangladesh, while relations with the US were less warm.

However, the situation has now shifted – Bangladesh's relationship with India has become somewhat uneasy, whereas its ties with the Biden administration were excellent, and the Yunus government is also increasing communication with the Trump administration.

Notably, Yunus recently spoke over the phone with Elon Musk, who is a close associate of Trump.

A former diplomat said the depth and nature of Bangladesh’s relations with various countries depended on its national interests and the priorities of those nations.

Providing an example, they said China was showing interest in various development projects in Bangladesh, while the US wanted to expand its trade relations with Bangladesh.

“The government is making decisions based on national interests. For instance, it has already decided on energy purchases from the US and increasing business engagements with Elon Musk."

Strained ties with India

Regarding the uneasy relations with India, the former diplomat said: "Before the political shift in Bangladesh, there were no issues with Indian visas. Over 1.5 million visas were issued annually, a significant portion of which were medical visas. However, this has now been significantly restricted."

"Why India made this decision is something they can explain, but Bangladeshis are adapting to the changing situation," they added.

Medical tourism

Visa policies can have a substantial influence on another country, and India serves as a prime example.

A large number of Bangladeshis travelled to India not only as tourists but also for medical treatment, making medical diplomacy a crucial factor.

However, with the tightening of Indian visa policies, Bangladesh is seeking alternative options.

China has stepped up, and the first group of Bangladeshi medical tourists departed for the Chinese city of Kunming on Monday.

A former diplomat said that in response to the new reality, the interim government was diversifying its collaborations.

Bangladesh had requested China to designate three hospitals in Kunming for Bangladeshi patients, they mentioned, adding that Beijing had responded positively.

If Bangladeshis found China’s healthcare system satisfactory, medical tourism in China would increase, further strengthening China’s soft power influence in Bangladesh, they noted.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh Unveils Details of the Yunus Xi Meeting! (Interesting video in Hindi which elaborates relations between Bangladesh, China and India)

 

[Saif]

Around 90 pct of Bangladeshi respondents stand in favor of China: survey

Around 90 pct of Bangladeshi respondents stand in favor of China: survey-

english.news.cn

Around 90 pct of Bangladeshi respondents stand in favor of China: survey
Source: XinhuaEditor: huaxia2025-03-12 14:15:15

Imtiaz Ahmed, executive director at the Center for Alternatives, introduces the survey "National Image of China in Bangladesh," in Dhaka, Bangladesh, March 11, 2025. Around 90 percent of Bangladeshi respondents have favorable stance on China and their satisfaction is increasing over the past three years, according to a leading local think-tank survey. The survey, "National Image of China in Bangladesh," released on Tuesday, found that the overall image of China in Bangladesh has improved and shows consistent trends in several areas, including Bangladesh-China economic relations, people's perception of the Chinese society and economic situation. (Photo by Habibur Rahman/Xinhua)

DHAKA, March 12 (Xinhua) -- Around 90 percent of Bangladeshi respondents have favorable stance on China and their satisfaction is increasing over the past three years, according to a leading local think-tank survey.

The survey, "National Image of China in Bangladesh," released on Tuesday, found that the overall image of China in Bangladesh has improved and shows consistent trends in several areas, including Bangladesh-China economic relations, people's perception of the Chinese society and economic situation.

This finding has been used to compare the three surveys conducted in 2022, 2023 and 2024, which were aimed at understanding the perceptions of the Bangladeshi people about China in general and their perceptions of the different aspects of the Bangladesh-China relationship.

The Center for Alternatives conducted the survey and found that it reflects a growing acknowledgement of the country's cultural heritage and global influence, with dominant power perceptions remaining the key theme. And most respondents lauded China's emerging role in solving the Rohingya crisis and mitigating the protracted conflict situation in the Middle East.

The survey showed that diplomatic ties have been marked by mutual respect, with China being a key development partner for Bangladesh.

The findings also suggest a real need and scope exists for more significant cultural, educational, and social interactions between the people of China and Bangladesh.

This survey was conducted from October to November 2024 among 5,335 respondents across all eight divisions from different socio-economic backgrounds.

Imtiaz Ahmed, executive director at the Center for Alternatives, told Xinhua that in several areas, particularly regarding bilateral relations, there has been consistent positive sentiment. And there has been quite a good positive count on the Belt and Road Initiative.

He said that people expect more investment and people-to-people exchange. One new thing that has come up is regarding the health sector.

People expect that more collaboration and more changes can be done in this area, where the Bangladeshi health sector can develop as much as China's health sector has done.

For his part, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen said these surveys have showcased the Bangladeshi people's perception of China in social, economic, and cultural fields, as well as their friendly sentiments towards China.

They particularly highlight some trend-based changes and positive developments over the past three years, Yao added.

Yao stated that these data reflect the support and endorsement from the Bangladeshi people for China's friendly policies towards all Bangladeshi people. ■

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen delivers a speech at an event to release the survey "National Image of China in Bangladesh," in Dhaka, Bangladesh, March 11, 2025.

Around 90 percent of Bangladeshi respondents have favorable stance on China and their satisfaction is increasing over the past three years, according to a leading local think-tank survey.

The survey, "National Image of China in Bangladesh," released on Tuesday, found that the overall image of China in Bangladesh has improved and shows consistent trends in several areas, including Bangladesh-China economic relations, people's perception of the Chinese society and economic situation. (Photo by Habibur Rahman/Xinhua)​