During Bangladesh PM Tarique Rehman’s five-day visit to China, the two countries formalised a deal to develop an economic zone near Mongla port in Bangladesh. Rehman met Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday (27th June), concluding his visit to the country.
The proposed project will mark a loss for India as it will replace a previously proposed Indian-backed venture. The land for the proposed economic zone was initially marked for the proposed India-backed project. But it was delisted by the Muhammad Yunus-led interim govt in 2025 as India-Bangladesh relations strained after the ousting of the Sheikh Hasina government in 2024.
#BreakingNews | China is set to expand its footprint in Bangladesh, as Bangladesh is set to hand over the Mongla Port to China after previously assigning it to India
— News18 (@CNNnews18) June 27, 2026
Exclusive story by @manojkumargupta @_pallavighosh shares more details @AmanKayamHai_ | #China #Bangladesh… pic.twitter.com/A2X787PAX0
In addition to that, Bangladesh and China also agreed to jointly advance the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone in Chittagong. To enhance cooperation with Bangladesh in integrated water resources management, China promised to support the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project. China is reportedly expected to speed up a study of the Teesta project that intends to alter the physical nature of the Teesta River inside Bangladesh for economic development.
The proposed project will lead to the expansion of Beijing’s presence in the Bay of Bengal and the wider Indian Ocean region. China has already made huge investments in the Indian Ocean region, including in ports in Gwadar in Pakistan and Djibouti in East Africa.
China has proposed the development of the China-Myanmar-Bangladesh economic corridor under Belt and Road cooperation to boost regional connectivity and economic integration across the three nations.
As per reports, Jinping extended support to the Rehman government in Bangladesh and expressed readiness to carry out high-quality Belt and Road Cooperation. “No matter how the world changes, China will not waver in its commitment to the overall direction of Bangladesh-China friendly relations, and will always be a trustworthy good friend, good neighbour, and good partner of Bangladesh,” said a joint statement released by the two countries.
“It was also agreed to strengthen cooperation in maritime affairs, agriculture, education, trade and investment, and technology sharing, and further advance development of the China–Myanmar–Bangladesh Economic Corridor,” the statement added.
Rahman visited Beijing from 24th June to 26th June and met top Chinese officials, including Premier Li Qiang, President Xi Jinping and Chinese water resources minister Li Guoying.
