Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser to interim government, Muhammad Yunus, is all set to visit China, where he will meet Chinese President XI Jinping on Friday. This would be Yunus’ first meeting with the Chinese state head after taking over the charge as head of the country.
Yunus’ visit is taking place amid strained ties with India. Bangladesh is looking for Chinese investments in the country. Bangladesh has reiterated Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s extradition who has taken shelter in India since a violent protest took place in the country that forced her to flee the country in August last year.
The interim government head will also meet with the chiefs of four Chinese companies during the visit. China will take the opportunity to enhance its investment as it is the largest trading partner with Dhaka with an annual trade of $25 billion.
Analysts are of the view that the dragon will take advantage of weakening ties with India and will try to establish itself by deepening ties with countries like Bangladesh, and Pakistan in South Asia.
Over 14 Chinese companies are contributing through investments of $230 million in Bangladesh as they are the biggest investors since Yunus took command.
A report last week suggested that Bangladesh approached India to arrange a meeting between its Chief Adviser, Muhammad Yunus, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Bangkok in the first week of April.
The two leaders are likely to visit Thailand from April 2-4 to attend the sixth BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok.
Speaking to ANI, Foreign Affairs Adviser to the interim government of Bangladesh, Md Touhid Hossain, said, “We have made a diplomatic approach to India to hold a bilateral meeting between our two leaders at the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit.”
