Experts believe that it is necessary to prioritize public aspirations and content more strongly in the context of a perceived “tilt toward China,” with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus’s recent visit to China having been described as “historic.”
They argue that the foundation of the relationship between the two governments should be direct involvement in people-centric welfare issues.
For a sustainable relationship, it is desirable to foster connections and communication between the peoples of both countries. At the same time, both sides must value the aspirations of their respective populations, they say.
Experts state that issues directly related to the people and the economy include the water and agriculture sectors.
For example, seed production, poultry, post-harvest management, vocational and technical education, and technology transfer. These can generate employment, increase productivity, and prepare the groundwork for development.
In addition to large infrastructure projects, if China provides assistance in these areas, it will benefit the people and help make the bilateral relationship sustainable, experts add.
During the Awami League's tenure, widespread rigging has been alleged in the last three national elections, and India has been blamed for politically supporting the ruling party through these processes.
However, among the first countries to congratulate the Awami League government following those elections, China was one of them.
Regarding this, former ambassador Md Sufiur Rahman said: “China’s core policy is that it wants to maintain relations with the government. Beijing generally does not directly address the concerns of the people of a particular country. As a result, this can often lead to major misunderstandings and confusion.”
He further said: “In the last decade in Bangladesh, especially after the fraudulent elections of 2018 and 2024, the Chinese statements have been entirely from the government’s perspective, and those were essentially mechanical. They did not pay attention to the aspirations of the Bangladeshi people. Therefore, in this process, the interests of the Bangladeshi people have not been protected.”
Historic visit
Although the chief adviser's visit is being considered historic, some believe that in terms of scope, it is “less significant” compared to the 2016 visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping, especially when evaluating new matters and perspectives.
An official, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “This visit is being viewed as a landmark one. If you compare it with Xi Jinping’s 2016 visit, the two are not comparable. However, this visit is extremely significant for political reasons. It took place after the political changes of last July. Therefore, it is a turning point. The context and magnitude of the two visits are different.”
Against the backdrop of the potential for a new trajectory in bilateral and regional relations, this visit could also play a significant role.
According to him, the visit created an opportunity and possibly marked a transformational shift in direction.
New cooperation
Apparently, due to objections from India, Bangladesh’s cooperation with China in water resources and connectivity had been very limited.
However, this visit marked considerable progress in that regard.
Another former diplomat said: “Bangladesh has decided to allow Chinese companies to participate in the Teesta project. Previously, this was not possible due to objections from India. Financially, it may not be large, but its impact is significant. Therefore, this is a matter we must take into consideration.”
“There are now new kinds of discussions between Bangladesh and China regarding cooperation in the water sector—such as flood forecasting, river dredging, flood protection, and drought prevention—which are expected to continue in the coming days,” he added.
Another emerging area of cooperation in Bangladesh is connectivity. Chinese assistance is being used to modernize the Mongla port, which could have an impact on regional connectivity enhancement.
On this matter, the same diplomat said: “China’s assistance at Mongla port may not be financially significant, but its impact could be massive. Ultimately, it may carry regional strategic value. Therefore, this initiative could shape a completely new perspective on connectivity in this region.”