Since the ouster of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024, Bangladesh’s relations with neighbouring India have shown visible strain. Against that backdrop, China has moved to draw Dhaka closer.
Bilateral engagement, across economic cooperation, trade and people-to-people exchanges, has grown more than at any previous time.
A particularly noticeable trend is the rise in visits by Bangladeshi political leaders to China. Soon after the change in government, leaders from multiple parties travelled to Beijing at the invitation of the Communist Party of China (CPC).
Diplomatic analysts say Bangladesh’s current foreign policy is not centred on any single country. Rather, the frequency and breadth of these visits suggest political signalling and strategic positioning by both sides.
A flurry of visits after August 5
Following the political shift, China stepped up efforts to strengthen strategic ties with Bangladesh, beginning with increased exchanges. As part of this outreach, the CPC invited the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), one of the country’s major political forces.
Within three months of the interim government taking office, a four-member high-level BNP delegation visited China, marking a renewed line of communication with Chinese leadership.
On November 27, 2024, a 14-member delegation of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami leaders travelled to Beijing at the CPC’s invitation—the party’s first such visit.
The delegation was led by Nayeb-e-Ameer and former MP Dr Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher. It also included leaders from Khelafat Majlish, Hefazat-e-Islam, Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon and Bangladesh Nezam-e-Islam Party. A key component of the trip was a visit to the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.
Ahead of the visit, Chinese Ambassador to Dhaka Yao Wen hosted a farewell reception for the delegation, describing Bangladesh as standing at a “historic crossroads.”
He said China aims to deepen cooperation with the interim government, political parties and all segments of society. In his words, the visit should be seen as “a new starting point” for strengthening inter-party cooperation and consolidating the broader China-Bangladesh strategic partnership, signalling Beijing’s intent to engage all sides regardless of political shifts in Dhaka.
On February 24 last year, a 22-member “Bangladesh-China Friendship” delegation—comprising representatives from political and social groups—visited China. Led by BNP Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, the group included leaders from eight political parties and organisations, alongside academics, researchers, student leaders and journalists. During the 13-day visit, the delegation visited Beijing, Shaanxi and Yunnan provinces, touring government and private institutions, technology firms and infrastructure projects.
In another visit, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir led a nine-member delegation to Beijing for five days starting June 22 last year. Later, in August, eight leaders of the National Citizen Party (NCP) also travelled to China on a four-day visit.
Govt-level engagement begins early
At the official level, the first foreign visit after the political transition was made in January last year by former foreign affairs adviser Touhid Hossain, who travelled to Beijing and met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
Bangladesh conveyed its intention to continue existing cooperation and requested reduced interest rates on Chinese loans along with extended repayment periods. China responded positively, agreeing to extend repayment сроки. Following this visit, former chief adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus also travelled to China.
BNP’s first official trip to China
Following the parliamentary elections this year, the BNP formed the government after securing a majority. On February 17, BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman was sworn in as the country’s 11th prime minister. Shortly after forming the government, BNP leaders chose China for their first official overseas visit.
On April 16, a 19-member high-level delegation led by BNP Secretary General and Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir travelled to China at the invitation of the Chinese government. Although the delegation departed on April 16, Fakhrul joined it on April 20 after leaving Dhaka.
Speaking at an event organized by the CPC in Beijing, Fakhrul reiterated his party’s—and the government’s—support for the “One China” policy. He expressed confidence that the newly elected government under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman would elevate bilateral ties to “a unique height.”
Fakhrul also met Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, describing China as a “trusted friend and partner” of Bangladesh. He reaffirmed that the new government would uphold the One China policy and maintain the longstanding tradition of friendly relations.
Foreign minister’s next visit
Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman is scheduled to visit China on May 5, where he is expected to hold bilateral talks with Wang Yi.
According to foreign ministry sources, the visit will include a comprehensive review of relations, with a focus on economic cooperation, development projects and regional issues. Bangladesh is also likely to seek China’s support in a United Nations leadership election and request assistance in managing ongoing economic pressures.
Strategic intent or pragmatic balancing?
Diplomatic analysts note that Bangladesh-China relations have historically remained stable. However, during the Awami League’s 15-year tenure, China lost some opportunities due to India’s strong influence in Bangladesh. Since August 5, Beijing appears to be moving quickly to reclaim ground through expanded engagement.
A former diplomat told Dhaka Tribune that the number of visits is unprecedented, particularly after last August’s political change. “China’s plans are primarily driven by economic interests. As long as Bangladesh maintains balance, there is little risk,” he said.
He added that these visits should be viewed as political in nature, as political relationships often underpin stronger bilateral ties. Economic cooperation, too, frequently depends on political alignment. With nearly $40 billion in investments linked to Bangladesh, China has a clear incentive to maintain constructive relations with all major political actors.
