Bangladesh follows bankrupt Pakistan, starts begging from China for…, what exactly happened?

Bangladesh is preparing for a major push to attract Chinese investment and financing as Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is expected to visit China later this month. The visit, likely to take place between June 23 and June 26, is being seen as an important step in strengthening economic ties between Dhaka and Beijing. Government officials are reportedly working on several investment agreements and funding proposals ahead of the trip.

Bangladesh Eyes Bigger Chinese Investments

According to officials familiar with the preparations, Bangladesh wants to secure fresh Chinese investments for infrastructure, industrial zones and development projects. The government is planning an investment conference in Beijing on June 24 through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA).

Several senior government officials and leaders from the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have already visited China in recent months to prepare the groundwork for the proposed visit.

Several Agreements and MoUs Under Discussion

Bangladesh is reportedly finalising a number of agreements and memorandums of understanding with Chinese companies and institutions. These include a land allocation agreement for the Chinese company Handa Group in the Keraniganj Economic Zone and a developer agreement for a proposed Chinese economic zone in Chattogram.

Officials believe these projects could help attract fresh foreign investment, create jobs and strengthen industrial development in the country.

Funding Sought for Teesta and Mongla Projects

One of Bangladesh’s key goals is to secure financing for several delayed or slow-moving infrastructure projects. These include the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project and the expansion and modernisation of Mongla Port.

China is also said to be interested in developing another economic zone near Mongla Port. Discussions on these projects are expected to move forward during Tarique Rahman’s visit.

In addition, Bangladesh plans to seek financial support from the China-backed Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the New Development Bank (NDB).

Concerns Over Growing Dependence on China

Government project data reportedly shows that Bangladesh already has financing proposals worth more than $9 billion pending with China, AIIB and NDB. Authorities are also preparing a new list of priority projects that could receive future Chinese funding.

The growing reliance on Chinese loans has drawn comparisons with Pakistan, which carries significant debt linked to Chinese-funded infrastructure projects. Analysts note that while additional financing could help Bangladesh accelerate development, it may also increase economic dependence on Beijing and raise regional strategic concerns, particularly regarding projects located near areas of interest to neighbouring India.