Prime Minister of Bangladesh Visits Malaysia and China in First Foreign Trip; Trade and Infrastructure Projects Highlight Beijing Visit
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh stated on Saturday that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, since assuming office, will make his first foreign visit to Malaysia and China, rather than neighboring India as his initial destination. According to officials quoted by the Bangladesh Press Trust, Rahman will visit Malaysia on Sunday and proceed to China the following day.
Officials revealed that trade and infrastructure projects will be key priorities during this visit to Beijing. These initiatives may include Chinese support for the long-stalled Teesta River project, which aims to restore and manage Bangladesh’s vital river through dredging, embankment construction, and irrigation development.
Citing the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Bangladesh Press Trust reported that "this visit is seen as a significant diplomatic move aimed at strengthening economic partnerships between Bangladesh and its partners." Malaysia hosts approximately 800,000 Bangladeshi workers, accounting for over one-third of its foreign labor force.
Most of Bangladesh lies surrounded by India, but relations between the two countries have remained tense since the uprising in 2024 that ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Since Rahman won the election and assumed leadership of the nation—home to 170 million people—following the interim government led by Hasina’s resignation, bilateral relations have shown signs of improvement.
However, tensions persist. Since fleeing, Hasina has remained in India, and Bangladesh has repeatedly called for her extradition. Border relations have also deteriorated further, with India deporting individuals it deems illegal immigrants back to Bangladesh.
India has long been vigilant about China’s growing influence across South Asia, as the two most populous nations in the world compete for regional influence.
Source: rfi
Original: toutiao.com/article/1868538686998528/
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