Muhammad Yunus, head of Bangladesh’s interim government, proposed a Chinese airbase in Bangladesh, highlighting its role as the ‘only guardian’ of the Indian Ocean. Yunus secured substantial Chinese investments for development projects and indicated a pivot away from India towards China. Alongside warming ties with Pakistan, he faces increasing internal pressures amid rising radical Islamic sentiments in Bangladesh, stirring concerns about potential terrorism and minority oppression.

In a recent trip to China, Muhammad Yunus, the head of Bangladesh’s interim government, ignited controversy by asserting Bangladesh’s geopolitical significance as the “only guardian” of the Indian Ocean due to the landlocked status of seven northeastern Indian states. He proposed the establishment of a Chinese airbase in Bangladesh, suggesting it would enhance economic ties. “This opens up a huge possibility for China… build things, market them, take them back to China, or export to the rest of the world,” he stated.

Yunus’s appeal for Chinese investment comes alongside commitments for substantial assistance to modernize Bangladesh’s Mongla Port, which is estimated at $400 million. China has also pledged further investments totaling $500 million across various projects, including a $150 million package for technical support and river management. Yunus has particularly emphasized the need for long-term Chinese collaboration in managing the Teesta River, shared with India, indicating a shift in Bangladesh’s reliance from India to China.

As Yunus engages with China, concerns are rising regarding his administration’s diplomatic overtures toward Pakistan, highlighted by planned visits from Pakistani officials aimed at strengthening ties. A Foreign Secretary-level meeting is set for April 17, fostering discussions on cooperation in trade, defense, and cultural exchanges. While Bangladesh has eased direct cargo shipping and visa restrictions with Pakistan, it insists on addressing historical grievances before advancing bilateral relations.

Furthermore, Yunus faces internal and external pressures regarding relations with Pakistan, as influential figures in his government are pushing for normalization without preconditions. Simultaneously, he is navigating an increasingly radical Islamic influence within Bangladesh, with alarming trends in religious conservatism and extremism taking root post the political upheaval of August 2024.

This scenario poses vital concerns for the international community, particularly in light of the looming threat of terrorism and transnational crime in Bangladesh, as rising factions could drive religious minorities into exile. Choudhury cautions against ignoring these developments, urging for decisive action from global leaders to mitigate the escalating crisis.

In summary, Muhammad Yunus’s recent statements and activities signal a transformative diplomatic approach for Bangladesh, prioritizing closer ties with China and Pakistan while potentially undermining its relationship with India. The developments reflect significant geopolitical shifts, marked by Yunus’s controversial claims regarding national guardianship over maritime resources and China’s growing influence within the region. The potential consequences, including radicalization and humanitarian ramifications for religious minorities in Bangladesh, call for immediate international attention and action to avert an emerging crisis.

Original Source: www.eurasiantimes.com

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