As Bangladesh deepens ties with China, the challenge is balancing strategic opportunity without slipping into geopolitical dependence or rivalry.

Since Bangladesh and China established diplomatic relations in 1975, the two countries have issued only two joint communiqués in the past fifty years: the first in 1975 and the second in 2005.

Mohammad Sufiur Rahman, senior research fellow at the South Asian Institute of Policy and Governance in North South University and a former diplomat, speaks with Porimol Palma of The Daily Star about the outcomes of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s just-concluded visit to China.

Bangladesh and China have entered what both sides described as a “new era” in bilateral relations, with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s four-day visit laying the groundwork for a long-term strategic partnership.

China has pledged its full support for the management of the Teesta and other rivers in Bangladesh as the two countries signed at least 13 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) yesterday covering political, economic, and strategic cooperation.

The two sides seek stronger ties in development, trade and water-resource management

Global Times article says Tarique’s Beijing visit could deepen cooperation despite geopolitical pressures

Tarique will leave for Malaysia tomorrow and for China on Monday afternoon

After nearly two years of slowdown following the 2024 political changeover, Bangladesh is looking for a fresh boost in Chinese investment and infrastructure financing as Prime Minister Tarique Rahman prepares for his first official visit to China from June 23–26.

Bangladesh must pursue pragmatic China relations prioritising youth, sustainability, sovereignty, and resilience amid global uncertainty and instability.

Ambassador Yao Wen tells Home Minister Salahuddin a politically stable govt has been established

Envoy conveys greetings from Chinese president, reaffirms commitment to deepen Dhaka-Beijing ties

Dhaka has reiterated its call for reducing interest rates for Chinese loans from 3 percent to 1-2 percent, while also seeking a waiver on commitment fees for Chinese-funded projects.

Outlines four pillars for Asia’s growth: finance, trade, food, and innovation

He left Dhaka at 1:00pm on a special China Southern Airlines flight, the Chief Adviser's Press Wing confirmed

During Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to Beijing, China promised to support Bangladesh economically in four ways, by providing grants, interest-free loans, concessional loans, and commercial loans.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina reached home after wrapping up her three-day bilateral visit to the Chinese capital Beijing today

Announce 7 outcomes, including completion of feasibility study on FTA

A bilateral delegation level meeting between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang started at the Great Hall of the People this morning

Beijing will push for initiatives with strategic interests in Bangladesh and the Bay of Bengal, while Dhaka will focus on trade and economy as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina meets Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang today.