New possibilities in Bangladesh and China relations

Discussion is growing again about new possibilities in Bangladesh and China relations. Against this background, at the “China Bangladesh Political Parties Plus Roundtable” held in Dhaka on 4 November, Daily Inqilab Editor Mr. A M M Bahauddin called on Prime Minister Mr. Tarique Rahman and Mr. Liu Haixing, Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China, to take the relations of the two countries to a higher level. He asked them to keep up the continuity of the friendship of the time of their fathers. He stressed the quick implementation of the Teesta Master Plan and the China Myanmar Bangladesh economic corridor in particular.

Without doubt, these two initiatives can create important possibilities for Bangladesh’s economy, communication, agriculture, industrialisation and regional trade. But to turn the possibilities into reality, we need realistic planning, economic capacity and far sighted diplomatic decisions, not emotion based expectations.

Bangladesh and China have a long friendship. The foundation of this relationship became strong during the rule of Shaheed President Mr. Ziaur Rahman. Later, under various governments including that of Begum Khaleda Zia, bilateral cooperation continued. China’s role in infrastructure, power, communication, industrialisation and trade has contributed to Bangladesh’s development. In the present reality there is a chance to make this relationship more effective and many sided. But the real success of friendship will depend on how much real benefit the people of both countries get.

Teesta Master Plan

The Teesta river is directly linked to the lives, livelihoods, agriculture and economy of millions of people in the northern region. Water shortage in the dry season, floods in the monsoon, river erosion and loss of navigability are long standing problems of this region. If the Teesta Master Plan is carried out, it can bring a lasting solution to these problems. It can also create new possibilities in agriculture, fisheries, river transport, industrialisation and tourism.

But it is important to be realistic about the progress of the project. It is not right to expect construction to start without completing the feasibility study, finance, technical planning and environmental assessment. The government should complete these processes quickly and with transparency. Not only river dredging or building embankments, but also the saving of monsoon water, fair use of water in the dry season, flood control, prevention of river erosion, farm irrigation and protection of environmental balance must be brought into an integrated plan.

China’s technical and financial cooperation can be important here. But the project cost, quality of technology, long term maintenance and Bangladesh’s interest must be given top importance. The issue of water sharing of common rivers with India and basin based management must also be moved forward through diplomatic talks.

Tri nation economic corridor

If the China Myanmar Bangladesh economic corridor becomes effective, new chances for communication, trade and investment may be created between Bangladesh and southwestern China and Myanmar. In particular, Bangladesh’s ports, industrial zones, road and rail communication may get new economic importance through this initiative.

But carrying out the corridor does not depend only on the goodwill of Bangladesh and China. Myanmar’s political stability, security situation, border management and mutual understanding among the countries concerned are important here. So first of all, a detailed study is needed on possible routes, cost, commercial benefits, security and environmental impact.

We must ensure that the corridor does not become only a path to carry other countries’ goods. It must become a means to raise Bangladesh’s industry, exports and jobs. Modernising Bangladesh’s ports, rail, roads and land port system is also urgent.

Balance needed in trade and investment

China is one of Bangladesh’s largest trade partners. There is more chance for Chinese investment in infrastructure and industrialisation. But Bangladesh’s import dependence and trade deficit in the trade of the two countries is a big challenge. To cut this gap, steps must be taken to raise Bangladesh’s exports to the Chinese market. Besides garments, these should include leather goods, medicines, farm products, jute products and light engineering products.

Chinese investors must be encouraged not only in building infrastructure but also in export oriented industry, technology transfer, farm processing and job creation. At the same time, care is needed in foreign loans. Bangladesh should not depend too much on anyone, whether China, the World Bank, the IMF or any other source. It must ensure project based competitive finance. Big projects should not be taken without considering loan interest, repayment time, currency risk and the possible income of the project. Transparency and accountability must be ensured in contracts, costs and tenders.

Rohingya crisis

Another important area of relations with China for Bangladesh is the Rohingya crisis. A huge number of Rohingya have taken shelter in Bangladesh for a long time. This crisis is putting pressure on Bangladesh’s economy, environment, security and social stability. China has political and economic contact with Myanmar. So China can play an effective role in the safe, voluntary and dignified return of the Rohingya. Not only diplomatic assurance, but active steps from China are needed to create a favourable environment for return, ensure security and guarantee civil rights.

Improving relations with China does not mean worsening relations with any other country. Bangladesh’s foreign policy must be centred on national interest. Bangladesh must keep balanced relations with all development partners including the United States, the European Union, Japan and South Korea, and use the economic and diplomatic benefits.

The call by Mr. A M M Bahauddin to take relations forward on the basis of the family history of Prime Minister Mr. Tarique Rahman and Chinese Minister Mr. Liu Haixing carries a positive diplomatic message. Now this political goodwill must be turned into real development.

The government should adopt a clear action plan on the Teesta Master Plan, the tri nation corridor, trade expansion, technology transfer and Rohingya return. In every area, specific goals, time limits and accountability must be ensured.

Bangladesh’s expectation is not to become dependent on any country. It is to use international friendship and cooperation to become a self respecting, prosperous and economically capable state. The legacy of friendship from the time of the fathers can be a positive base for the present leadership. Now the real success of that friendship must be proved through better living standards for the people of Bangladesh, job creation and progress of the national economy.

Writer: Mr. Shahidul Islam Kabir, writer, columnist, president, Muktijuddho Projonmo Council.
Email: shahid_kabir2007@yahoo.com