Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is set to visit New Delhi and Beijing in June and July to strengthen Bangladesh’s ties with Asia’s two leading economic powers.
A senior Bangladeshi official informed UNB that the Prime Minister will likely undertake an official visit to New Delhi on June 21-22 and to Beijing on July 9-12. Following the formation of her new government, Hasina highlighted her active engagement on the global stage by attending the Munich Security Conference in Germany in February.
PM Hasina’s visit to India follows the conclusion of the country’s national election, the world’s largest democratic exercise, which spanned seven phases from April 19 to June 1, with the vote count on June 4. A diplomatic source noted that her visit to New Delhi will be a milestone, elevating relations between the two countries to new heights.
In January, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended warm congratulations to PM Hasina on her electoral victory, expressing hopes for the continued strengthening of the historically close ties between India and Bangladesh. The last bilateral engagement between Modi and Hasina occurred during the G-20 Leaders Summit in September 2023, where Bangladesh was a guest country. Modi is also expected to extend invitations to South Asian and BIMSTEC leaders for his swearing-in ceremony, fostering regional cooperation.
Additionally, Hasina’s upcoming visit to China in July was highlighted during a meeting with Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen, who reiterated China’s commitment to boosting investment in Bangladesh and enhancing bilateral relations. Ambassador Yao emphasised the visit’s significance in promoting trade, investment, and cultural exchange, aligning with Bangladesh’s aspirations for “Vision 2041” and the realisation of a “Smart Bangladesh.”
“This visit will be historical and a game-changer, opening a new chapter,” Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen told reporters when asked about PM Hasina’s forthcoming trip during a seminar on Sunday night. The ambassador refrained from confirming the exact dates, advising, “Let’s wait and see.”
Recently, Ambassador Yao stated that Bangladesh and China should deepen their strategic partnership and explore new growth points. “China is willing to work with Bangladesh to continue exploring cooperation opportunities under the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilisation Initiative,” he said, highlighting a focus on upgrading industries and advancing the digitalisation process in Bangladesh.
