Distinguished Professor Ali Riaz has been interviewed by the German international broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW) and the Chinese service of the Voice of America (VOA) on Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to China and its implications for Bangladesh’s foreign policy. Recently, both China and Bangladesh’s neighbor India made an offer to finance a largescale river water management project. The Teesta River project is becoming a symbol of contest between India and China, both supporting the current government of Bangladesh, despite its abysmal human rights record and flawed election.
Riaz told the DW that the growing geopolitical rivalry between India and China puts Dhaka in a tough spot. “Both parties are essentially offering such proposals to Bangladesh to safeguard their geopolitical and strategic interests, keeping their national interests in mind,” he said. “This will not be limited to economic dispute; it will inevitably turn into a political conflict. The fact that Bangladesh is consciously entering into this conflict is worrisome,” he told DW.
During her visit, Hasina was reported to be requesting a $7 billion soft loan from China to address the country’s dwindling foreign reserve. Commenting on the request, Riaz told the VOA Chinese service that, “The economic relationship between China and Bangladesh is not new, but the expected loan request of $7 billion during Hasina’s visit will be unprecedented.” This huge financial aid will naturally lead to closer relations between Dhaka and Beijing.