Yunus of Bangladesh Engages with China Ahead of BIMSTEC Leadership
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Synopsis
Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor of Bangladesh's interim government, visits China for discussions with President Xi Jinping, marking his first trip since the new government took office. Key bilateral agreements are anticipated as Bangladesh prepares to chair the upcoming BIMSTEC Summit.
Key Takeaways
- Yunus's visit focuses on bilateral agreements.
- Discussions with President Xi Jinping are scheduled.
- China-Bangladesh relations are being strengthened.
- Bangladesh will chair BIMSTEC at the upcoming summit.
- Yunus's visit follows a significant political transition.
Dhaka, March 26 (NationPress) Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Advisor of the interim government of Bangladesh, embarked on a four-day official journey to China on Wednesday, where he will engage in discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on March 28.
Accompanying Yunus are Foreign Affairs Advisor Touhid Hossain, Muhammad Fouzul (Advisor for Power, Energy, Mineral Resources, Road Transport, Bridges, and Railways), Kabir Khan (High Representative to the Chief Advisor), Khalilur Rahman (Principal Coordinator on SDGs Affairs), Lamiya Morshed (Senior Secretary), and Shafiqul Alam, the Press Secretary of the Chief Advisor.
This marks Yunus’s inaugural visit to China since the interim government took power in Bangladesh following the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024.
Following this, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, had extended an invitation from the Chinese leadership for Yunus to visit at his convenience.
According to local media, Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin mentioned that several bilateral agreements are anticipated to be signed during Yunus's visit, focusing on human resource development, economic and technical assistance, cultural and sports cooperation, and media collaboration. Announcements regarding economy, investment, and economic zones are also expected.
In January 2025, Foreign Affairs Advisor Touhid Hossain visited Beijing for five days, indicating Dhaka's intention to strengthen China-Bangladesh relations amidst the ongoing turmoil in the country.
Reports from Prothom Alo, a prominent Bengali daily, stated that China had exhibited uncertainty regarding its relationship with Bangladesh following the July mass uprising, worried about the safety of its personnel involved in significant projects in Bangladesh.
Muhammad Yunus's visit to China occurs just before the Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit, slated for April 2-4 in Bangkok.
At the summit, Bangladesh will assume the chairmanship of BIMSTEC.
