Dhaka: According to sources from Dhaka, Bangladesh’s newly appointed Prime Minister Tariq Rahman is cautiously navigating diplomatic waters to maintain a balance between India, China, and Pakistan. He is keen to avoid giving any early indication that Bangladesh is leaning toward any single country.
India Moves to Strengthen Ties
In an effort to consolidate ties with Bangladesh, both India and China are actively reaching out to the new administration. On Sunday, the Indian High Commission in Dhaka posted on social media platform X that High Commissioner Pranay Verma met with Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman. The meeting focused on India’s desire to deepen collaboration across multiple sectors, emphasizing mutually beneficial cooperation and people-centered initiatives.
“We reiterated our commitment to advancing our historic relations with Bangladesh and strengthening our multifaceted bilateral ties,” Verma said. “India is committed to supporting a democratic, progressive, and inclusive Bangladesh. We look forward to working together with foresight to enhance cooperation in all areas that affect the people.”
In addition, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar extended an invitation to Dr. Khalilur Rahman to visit New Delhi. Earlier in the day, High Commissioner Verma also met Bangladesh’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam, who is known for her India-friendly stance, to discuss ways to further strengthen bilateral ties.
China’s Outreach
On the same day, China’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, met Prime Minister Tariq Rahman and previously had discussions with Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman. According to Bangladeshi newspaper Prothom Alo, Ambassador Wen expressed China’s firm support for Tariq Rahman’s “Bangladesh First” policy and optimism about the future of bilateral relations. China also extended an invitation to the Bangladeshi Prime Minister. The Chinese envoy conveyed heartfelt congratulations and best wishes on behalf of President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang.
Diplomatic Chessboard in Dhaka
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had already congratulated Tariq Rahman via a phone call and invited him to New Delhi. Earlier, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla attended Tariq Rahman’s swearing-in ceremony in Dhaka and met him afterward, signaling India’s interest in close ties.
Despite these overtures, Tariq Rahman is proceeding with caution. Sources close to the party leadership reveal that he is aiming to maintain strategic balance among India, China, and Pakistan. To avoid signaling preference toward any country, he has chosen Saudi Arabia as his first overseas destination. However, this visit will not be an official diplomatic trip—it will be a personal Umrah pilgrimage to Mecca, undertaken at his own discretion. Following this, he will carefully plan the itinerary and objectives of his first official foreign visit.
Discover more from SD NEWS agency
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.