Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of Bangladesh, will visit China on March 26 for bilateral talks, possibly meeting President Xi Jinping on March 28. His attendance at the Boao Forum on March 25 precedes the visit. This trip follows heightened scrutiny from India regarding Bangladesh’s ties with China and Pakistan after the political shift in Dhaka. A recent delegation from Bangladesh concluded a visit to China, emphasizing closer diplomatic ties amidst economic assistance from Beijing.
Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh, is scheduled to visit China on March 26 for a bilateral meeting, as reported by Prothom Alo. This visit marks Yunus’s first trip to China since assuming office on August 7, 2024, following the departure of Sheikh Hasina. Reports indicate that he may meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on March 28, according to diplomatic sources in Dhaka.
Before this meeting, Yunus will attend the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) conference in Hainan province on March 25. Zhang Jun, the secretary-general of the BFA, extended an invitation to Yunus to participate in this prominent conference. Following the forum, Chinese authorities proposed an additional meeting in Beijing to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Bangladesh.
The itinerary for Yunus’s visit, including his agenda in Beijing, is still under finalization. Meanwhile, New Delhi is closely monitoring the increasing engagements between Dhaka and China, as well as Pakistan. Following Hasina’s ouster, relations between India and Bangladesh have faced challenges. Recently, India expressed concerns about a UN report alleging “revenge violence against minorities” in Bangladesh during a session at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva.
Furthermore, the topic of Bangladesh was discussed when India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met his UK counterpart, David Lammy, on March 5. Additionally, a 21-member Bangladeshi delegation comprising political leaders, civil society activists, academics, and journalists concluded a 10-day visit to China on March 6. As reported by PTI, both nations have advocated for enhanced ties, with China offering loan repayment extensions and duty-free imports to the interim government in Dhaka.
In summary, Muhammad Yunus’s upcoming visit to China signifies a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s diplomatic engagement, particularly in light of recent political changes. His attendance at the Boao Forum and potential discussions with Chinese leadership could reshape bilateral relations, while India remains vigilant of these developments. The ongoing dialogue between Bangladesh and China reflects a strategic alliance that may impact regional dynamics, especially as India navigates its own relations with Dhaka.
Original Source: m.thewire.in
