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Dhaka: Bangladesh’s consideration of a proposed China-Myanmar-Bangladesh Economic Corridor has sharpened debate over whether Dhaka can attract much-needed Chinese investment without becoming more deeply entangled in the strategic rivalry among Beijing, New Delhi and Washington.

The proposed corridor promises improved regional connectivity and fresh investment at a time when Bangladesh is trying to revive economic growth. But analysts say it would also expand China’s presence on the Bay of Bengal, making any decision as much a geopolitical calculation as an economic one.

The corridor was among the issues discussed during Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit to China from June 22-26. Following the visit, Bangladesh’s National Security Adviser and High Representative Khalilur Rahman said the government was evaluating Beijing’s proposal to establish an economic corridor through Myanmar and had “not yet taken any position” on the initiative.

Nevertheless, the Chinese proposal created headlines in India. When asked about Bangladesh’s growing strategic engagement with China – including discussions on the proposed corridor, possible acquisition of Chinese J-10CE fighter aircraft and Beijing’s involvement in the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project – India’s external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on July 3 that India was closely monitoring developments in its neighbourhood and would take “appropriate measures as required.”

A day earlier, Chinese ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen said Beijing had first proposed the corridor more than a decade ago under the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) framework, when India was also envisaged as a participant. India had not responded at the time, he said, adding that the initiative remained open to other countries, including India.

For analysts, the proposed corridor is as much a geopolitical proposition as an economic one. While the project could attract substantial Chinese investment, it would also test Bangladesh’s ability to balance relations with competing regional powers at a time of heightened strategic rivalry in the Indo-Pacific region.

Domestic politics in the backdrop

The foreign policy debate is unfolding as the Rahman government also contends with domestic political pressures.

In an interview with Reuters published on July 10, deposed former prime minister Sheikh Hasina said she intended to return to Bangladesh in December and surrender before the courts, while urging Awami League leaders living in exile to return with her. Hasina has been living in India since August 5, 2024, after she was removed from office during the student-led mass uprising that ended her more than 15 years in power.

On July 10, Bangladesh’s government issued a notice directing print, broadcast and online media, as well as social media platforms, to comply with court orders regarding the publication and broadcast of statements by the fugitive former prime minister.

Analysts interviewed by The Wire said there was little evidence that Hasina’s return was imminent, viewing the announcement largely as an........

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