Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus envisions a strengthened Beijing Dhaka Alliance that could reshape regional dynamics amid Bangladesh’s transitional challenges.
Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus affirmed on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, during a reception in Dhaka hosted by the Chinese Embassy, that the Beijing Dhaka Alliance will advance through a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, emphasising mutual respect and win-win cooperation to foster peace and prosperity for both nations, as part of marking 50 years of diplomatic ties.
Why This Matters for South Asia
The evolving Beijing Dhaka Alliance under Chief Adviser Yunus holds significant implications for South Asia, potentially enhancing economic integration via China’s Belt and Road Initiative while navigating geopolitical sensitivities with neighbours like India. This partnership could stabilise Bangladesh’s interim governance by bolstering trade and infrastructure, contributing to regional connectivity and countering instability in the Bay of Bengal, though it risks amplifying great-power rivalries in the subcontinent.
Yunus Champions Beijing Dhaka Alliance at Anniversary Reception
The event, celebrating the 76th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China and the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-China diplomatic relations, drew over 600 attendees, including senior military officials, political representatives, and diplomats. In a video message, Professor Yunus, the Chief Adviser leading Bangladesh’s interim government, described China as “Bangladesh’s closest friend and most reliable partner.”
He expressed profound gratitude for China’s enduring trust, assistance, and support over the decades, highlighting Beijing’s contributions to Dhaka’s development in infrastructure, education, science and technology, and health care. Yunus praised China’s accomplishments under the Communist Party, particularly in economic growth, technological innovation, and poverty alleviation, noting their inspirational role for the Global South.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, the bilateral relationship has reached new heights since its elevation to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in 2024, with 2025 designated as the year of people-to-people exchanges. This framework builds on the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, promoting strategic autonomy and mutual benefit.
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen, addressing the gathering, underscored the enduring bond between the two nations as “good neighbours, sincere friends, and reliable partners.” He affirmed China’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s modernisation journey, aiming to author a new chapter in their shared future community.
Adviser Dr Salahuddin Ahmed, serving as chief guest, reiterated the tangible benefits of Chinese aid, which has significantly advanced Bangladesh’s socio-economic progress based on principles of equality and reciprocity.
Strengthening the Beijing Dhaka Alliance: Focus on Economic Synergies
Under Professor Yunus’s leadership, the Beijing Dhaka Alliance has gained renewed momentum following his March 2025 visit to China, where he engaged with President Xi Jinping and Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang at the Boao Forum for Asia in Hainan. That trip resulted in an agreement on economic and technological cooperation, alongside eight memoranda of understanding, targeting high-quality Belt and Road Initiative projects.
These initiatives emphasise sustainable infrastructure, energy development, and cultural exchanges, aligning with Bangladesh’s Vision 2041 for a “Smart Bangladesh.” Yunus sought Beijing’s assistance in relocating Chinese manufacturing sectors, including ready-made garments, electric vehicles, light machinery, high-tech electronics, chip production, and solar panels, to bolster Dhaka’s industrial base.
Bilateral trade has expanded rapidly, with China remaining Bangladesh’s largest trading partner. Official data from the Bangladesh Ministry of Commerce indicate that two-way trade volume exceeded $20 billion in the fiscal year ending June 2025, driven by increased exports of textiles and imports of machinery and electronics.
The partnership also extends to humanitarian efforts, with China pledging support for Rohingya repatriation from Bangladesh to Myanmar, addressing a protracted crisis affecting over 1 million refugees in Cox’s Bazar.
According to the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Bangladesh, the two sides will deepen political mutual trust through high-level visits and multilateral engagements, ensuring the Beijing Dhaka Alliance delivers greater benefits to their peoples.
Background
Diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and China were established on October 4, 1975, evolving from a foundational friendship to a strategic cooperative partnership in 2016. The landmark upgrade to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership occurred during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to Beijing in July 2024, where she held talks with Premier Li Qiang and President Xi Jinping.
After the political upheaval in August 2024 that installed Professor Yunus as Chief Adviser of the interim government, bilateral ties have been reaffirmed through consistent engagements. Yunus’s September 2024 sideline meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the United Nations General Assembly in New York further solidified commitments.
In March 2025, Yunus’s Beijing visit marked a pivotal moment, with discussions on development strategy synergy and Belt and Road advancements. These efforts underscore China’s role as a steadfast ally amid Bangladesh’s transition towards elections and reforms.
The Beijing Dhaka Alliance has historically focused on mutual respect, with China providing concessional loans and grants for mega-projects like the Padma Multipurpose Bridge and power plants, enhancing connectivity and energy security.
What’s Next for the Beijing Dhaka Alliance
As 2025 unfolds as a milestone year, Professor Yunus and Chinese counterparts are poised to implement joint initiatives under the strategic partnership, with potential high-level exchanges to accelerate the Beijing Dhaka Alliance’s contributions to regional stability and prosperity.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, September 19th, 2025
Follow SouthAsianDesk on X, Instagram, and Facebook for insights on business and current affairs from across South Asia.
