DHAKA: Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is expected to travel to Beijing in late June, marking his first overseas visit since the formation of the new Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government. This comes despite a pending invitation from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and initial plans to choose Bhutan as the destination for his first foreign tour.
Diplomatic Significance
Tarique's visit is likely to be closely watched in New Delhi, as the Bangladesh-China engagement appears to be driven in part by Dhaka's renewed efforts to secure Chinese financing for the long-delayed Teesta River restoration project. This development occurs amid water sharing becoming the latest diplomatic flashpoint between India and Bangladesh.
Water Sharing Dispute
Dhaka has stated that its ties with India will largely depend on renewing or concluding the Ganges water-sharing agreement, emphasizing that a short-term deal would be insufficient. The Teesta River project has been a contentious issue, with Bangladesh seeking Chinese support to move forward.
Chinese Support and Cooperation
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen recently stated that PM Tarique's upcoming visit to China would further strengthen the partnership between the two countries, which, he emphasized, have reached "new heights." "China will continue to provide all-out support to Bangladesh in maintaining political stability, economic development, and public welfare activities," he said.
Besides the river project, China and Bangladesh have agreed to promote high-quality Belt and Road Cooperation and strengthen exchanges and collaboration in areas including trade, investment, industry, the digital economy, water resources, health, and people-to-people connectivity.
Visit Details Not Finalized
Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir stated that PM Tarique will definitely visit China "at some point," stressing that the timing and itinerary of the PM's first bilateral visit abroad have not yet been finalized. Kobir noted that discussions with China regarding the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project had been fruitful and added that China's Exim Bank is likely to finance the project.
India-Bangladesh Relations
Following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina as Prime Minister in 2024, India-Bangladesh ties hit rough waters, with the strain in relations aggravated as Dhaka moved closer to Pakistan during the Muhammad Yunus interim government era. On the Teesta project, the adviser said the study report was under review and that its recommendations were being examined. He emphasized that the project requires detailed talks and consultations before implementation can proceed.
