An important diplomatic development is coming out from Bangladesh as a 22-member delegation, including political leaders, civil society activists, academics and journalists, who are on a 10-day visit to China. This “Sadbhavana Yatra”, launched by Beijing, aims to strengthen the relationship between the two countries amid the increasing tension between Dhaka and New Delhi.
Abdul Moeen Khan, a senior Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) officer, told the BBC, “This is basically a goodwill journey that has been launched by Beijing.”
“This is unique because China has invited a team representing various groups in Bangladesh this time,” he said.
The delegation led by Khan will engage in the discussion with Chinese government officials and senior members of the ruling Communist Party.
The delegation’s visit takes place at a time when diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh have become rapidly tense. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been living in exile in India since her exit in August, and Delhi has denied Dhaka’s request for her extradition. According to United Nations reports, Hasina’s government was criticized for action on the protesters, resulting in about 1,400 deaths.
China is increasing its busyness with Bangladeshi leaders, activists and delegations, including Islamist parties as well. This week’s visit follows the January 1 meeting between the Interim Government’s Foreign Policy Advisor, Tauhid Hussain and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. BNP has also made its second visit to China in recent months, highlighting Beijing’s efforts to establish its foot in Bangladesh.
Analysts suggest that China’s diplomatic outreach is inspired by the desire to expand its impact in the region. Bangladesh, with its population of about 170 million people, presents an important opportunity for China. The two countries have an adequate trade relationship, bilateral trade reaches around $ 24 billion, which mainly includes Chinese exports.
In contrast, India has held limited talks with the interim Bangladeshi government and political leaders in the last six months, as reported by the BBC. BNP has opposed India’s alleged intervention in internal affairs of Bangladesh, which has brought a strong response from Delhi. External Affairs Minister’s Jaishankar emphasized that it is up to Bangladesh to determine what kind of relationship they want with us.
The tension between Dhaka and Delhi continues to increase, some analysts believe that Bangladesh may be taken close to China. Chinese analyst Jhou Bo told the BBC that India should not consider the entire subcontinent, “I do not believe that India should not consider that the entire subcontinent should consider in Delhi’s influence Will do. “
Amidst these developments, Bangladesh is preparing for the upcoming elections, it is likely to be held by December or March next year. The interim government headed by Nobel Prize winner Muhammad Yunus is urging India to re -prepare Hasina to face Hasina to face allegations of crimes against humanity and money laundering.
