Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is set to undertake his first back-to-back foreign tour since assuming office in February, visiting Malaysia and China to strengthen political and economic ties with two key Asian partners.
The prime minister will travel to Malaysia on 21 June for a two-day visit before heading to China for a four-day trip. The highlight of the China visit will be a meeting between Tarique Rahman and Chinese President Xi Jinping on 26 June.
The engagement is being viewed as a significant diplomatic step, coming at a time when Xi has recently met several world leaders, including US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Officials say the visits aim to deepen Bangladesh’s relations with two important regional partners and reinforce the country’s engagement with nations that will play a major role in its economic and strategic priorities over the next five years.
Malaysia visit
Although China extended an invitation to the prime minister in April during Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman’s visit to Beijing, Dhaka opted to begin Tarique Rahman’s foreign tour in Malaysia. Diplomatic observers view this as a pragmatic move amid growing geopolitical competition in Asia, allowing Bangladesh to pursue a balanced foreign policy while avoiding potential sensitivities.
Tarique is scheduled to arrive in Kuala Lumpur on the evening of 21 June. On 22 June, he will hold a one-to-one meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, followed by delegation-level talks.
The two leaders are also expected to witness the signing of agreements covering culture, ICT, and information exchange. Key topics include trade, investment, manpower exports, energy cooperation, and the Rohingya crisis.
The prime minister will be accompanied by the foreign minister, the expatriates’ welfare minister, the state minister for civil aviation, and several advisers. Officials from both countries are finalising a joint statement.
Malaysia hosts over one million Bangladeshi workers and remains an important development partner, while Bangladesh imports energy resources, rubber, and palm oil from the country.
China visit
From 23 to 26 June, Tarique Rahman will travel to China for his first bilateral visit to a major global power since taking office. The visit is expected to indicate the new government’s approach towards China, a major development partner and source of infrastructure financing.
Before arriving in Beijing, the prime minister will attend the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting of the New Champions in Dalian from 23 June.
Bilateral talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang are scheduled for 25 June. The discussions will cover trade, investment, water resources, energy cooperation, connectivity, the Rohingya crisis, and regional developments. A joint statement is being prepared, and several agreements are expected to be signed.
Key issues to watch
Diplomats and analysts say the visit could define the trajectory of Bangladesh-China relations under the new government. Among the most closely watched issues are the proposed Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project and Bangladesh’s position on China’s three major initiatives — the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilisation Initiative.
Decisions made during the visit may indicate how the Tarique Rahman government intends to balance relations with major regional powers while advancing Bangladesh’s economic, developmental, and strategic interests.
With meetings planned at the highest political level, the Malaysia-China tour is expected to be one of the most consequential foreign policy engagements of the new administration.
