Bangladesh’s new diplomatic shift: PM Tarique Rahman chooses Malaysia and China for first overseas visits, bypasses India
Bangladesh’s newly appointed Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is set to embark on his first international visits, choosing Malaysia and China as his initial overseas destinations, according to the country’s foreign ministry.
Rahman is expected to begin his diplomatic tour with Malaysia on Sunday, followed by a visit to China the next day. The announcement was reported by state-run BSS news agency, which cited senior foreign ministry officials.
In Beijing, discussions are anticipated to focus heavily on trade cooperation and major infrastructure initiatives. Among the key topics could be Chinese involvement in the long-delayed Teesta River project, which aims to improve water management through dredging, embankments, and irrigation development—an issue of significant importance for Bangladesh’s agricultural future.
Officials described the visits as a strategic diplomatic move aimed at strengthening Bangladesh’s economic partnerships and expanding its regional cooperation footprint.
Malaysia holds particular importance in this itinerary, as it is home to nearly 800,000 Bangladeshi workers, forming one of the largest overseas labour communities for the country and contributing significantly to remittance inflows.
The diplomatic direction comes at a sensitive time in South Asian geopolitics. Bangladesh shares deep historical, economic, and geographic ties with India, but relations have experienced strain in recent years following political upheavals and leadership changes in Dhaka.
Tensions further escalated after the 2024 uprising that led to the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who later fled to India. Since then, diplomatic friction has continued, including unresolved extradition requests and concerns over border management and migration issues.
Meanwhile, India continues to maintain a cautious stance amid China’s growing influence across South Asia, where both powers are increasingly competing for strategic and economic partnerships.
Despite challenges, Rahman’s early diplomatic engagements signal a clear focus on economic rebuilding, regional balance, and strengthening international ties beyond traditional routes.
In a rapidly shifting regional landscape, these first foreign visits are being closely watched as an early indicator of Bangladesh’s evolving foreign policy direction and its broader geopolitical positioning.