New Horizon in Dhaka-Beijing Relations
By G M Forhadul Mozumder (Dhaka Bureau)
At the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s first official visit to China was not merely a traditional diplomatic visit; rather, it marked a new chapter of mutual development and cooperation between two prominent nations of the Global South. During his visit, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman held highly fruitful meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress. Additionally, he participated in the World Economic Forum’s ‘Summer Davos’ conference held in Dalian.
Beijing officially reaffirmed its full support for the new government of Bangladesh and highly praised Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s ‘Bangladesh Before All’ policy.
New Hope for the Teesta Project: Economic Liberation for the Northern Region
China has announced fresh, large-scale support for implementing the long-stalled Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP). According to the joint declaration, China will assist this mega project within its capabilities, and experts from both countries will work together to swiftly complete the feasibility study.
According to political and environmental analysts, this progress in the Teesta project is poised to bring a groundbreaking transformation to agriculture, water security, climate adaptation, and the overall economy of Bangladesh’s northern region. It will directly contribute to improving the living standards of millions of people in the Teesta basin.
BRICS and SCO: Bangladesh’s New Stature on the Global Stage
China has stood firmly by Dhaka to further strengthen Bangladesh’s position in international geopolitics and economics. Beijing has officially supported Bangladesh’s active participation in BRICS, the emerging alliance of developing nations, and its application to become a partner of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
Diplomatic circles believe that this Chinese support will significantly advance Bangladesh’s multidimensional foreign policy and amplify Bangladesh’s voice under the leadership of the Global South in international decision-making processes.
17 MoUs: Merging Green Energy and Technology
During the Prime Minister’s visit, 17 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and cooperation agreements were signed between the two countries in various critical sectors, including trade, investment, education, agriculture, human resource development, health, and media.
* Trade Privileges: China has promised to maintain zero-tariff treatment for 100% of tariff lines from Bangladesh, which will play a major role in diversifying Bangladesh’s exports.
* Infrastructure & Industry: Decisions were made to accelerate the Mongla Port modernization and expansion project, as well as the implementation of the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone in Chittagong.
* Future Technology: New avenues of investment have opened up for the development of green energy, electric vehicles (EVs), artificial intelligence (AI), information technology, and regional connectivity.
Defense Dialogue and a Humane Solution to the Rohingya Crisis
To ensure strategic security, both countries have decided to initiate a permanent strategic dialogue at the Foreign Minister level and to explore the possibility of establishing a ‘2+2’ dialogue mechanism covering diplomacy and defense. Furthermore, consensus was reached on increasing cooperation in military training, defense exchanges, and UN peacekeeping operations.
On the humanitarian front, China has once again pledged to play a mediating role in resolving the Rohingya crisis. Beijing stated in the joint declaration that it will continue its diplomatic efforts to find a sustainable and acceptable repatriation process through dialogue with Myanmar. Concurrently, China has highly lauded Bangladesh’s humanitarian role since the inception of the crisis.
According to international relations analysts, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s five-day visit is not just about expanding bilateral trade, but is a new model for regional stability, economic sovereignty, and sustainable development. Through sensitive water management like the Teesta project, inclusion in global blocs like BRICS, and technology-driven partnerships, Bangladesh has successfully elevated its strategic position in the Asia-Pacific region to a unique height.
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The Writer:
G M Forhadul Mozumder: Staff Correspondent, Pressenza- Dhaka Bureau.
