Bangladesh political crisis: will China stand by its key South Asian partner?

With Sheikh Hasina’s downfall, Bangladesh’s interim government will have to relook at the mega projects tainted by corruption, analysts say

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A vandalised image of Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the aftermath of her resignation, in Dhaka. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 9:00am, 10 Aug 2024Updated: 1:53pm, 11 Aug 2024

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina beamed as she stood alongside China’s President Xi Jinping in the Great Hall of the People as both leaders hailed the strength of their bilateral ties, with Dhaka seen as Beijing’s key South Asian strategic partner.

Almost one month after her meeting with Xi in Beijing on July 10, Hasina fled her official residence in Dhaka by helicopter to the safety of New Delhi, signalling the dramatic end of her 15-year rule.

With her downfall on August 5, questions have been raised about the impact on long-term relations between China and Bangladesh, particularly in trade. Hasina also oversaw the development of mega projects under China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Following Hasina’s departure, the Chinese foreign ministry said Beijing was following closely developments in Bangladesh. “As a friendly neighbour and comprehensive strategic cooperative partner of Bangladesh, China sincerely hopes that social stability will be restored soon in the country,” it added.

Ali Riaz, a political scientist at Illinois State University, told This Week in Asia that he did not foresee any immediate impact on China’s investments in Bangladesh.