Archive · 25 Jan 2026
Bangladesh Drifting into Sino-Pakistani Power Trap
Bangladesh is making big deals with China and Pakistan for military equipment and infrastructure projects.
This is worrying because it might make Bangladesh dependent on these countries for a long time.
The leader, Muhammad Yunus, is trying to strengthen his power and might push these deals forward without much opposition.
The US is worried and has warned about the risks, but China has reacted strongly.
There's a big vote coming up in February that could decide Bangladesh's future.
If things continue this way, Bangladesh might lose some of its independence and freedom to make its own decisions.
Bangladesh is increasing military and infrastructure cooperation with China and Pakistan, raising concerns about long-term sovereignty.
Muhammad Yunus is consolidating power and pushing for a February 12 referendum and elections to legitimise his authority.
China is involved in significant military deals, including the potential sale of J-10C fighter jets and the Teesta River Master Plan.
Pakistan is acting as an intermediary and enabler, facilitating defence cooperation and the sale of JF-17 Thunder jets and Super Mushshak trainer aircraft.
The US has warned about the risks of Chinese military dependency, but China has reacted aggressively to these comments.
- Who
- Bangladesh, led by Muhammad Yunus, is aligning with China and Pakistan.
- What
- Bangladesh is engaging in military and infrastructure deals with China and Pakistan, raising concerns about long-term sovereignty and strategic autonomy.
- When
- The shift is ongoing, with a critical referendum and elections scheduled for February 12.
- Where
- Bangladesh, with significant focus on the Siliguri Corridor and border-adjacent regions.
- Why
- Muhammad Yunus is consolidating power and pursuing deeper alignment with China and Pakistan, potentially at the cost of Bangladesh's independent future.
- Country
- Bangladesh
- Leader
- Muhammad Yunus
- Key Allies
- China, Pakistan
- Key Concerns
- Military dependency, strategic autonomy, political consolidation
- US Ambassador
- Brent Christensen
- Chinese Reaction
- Aggressive, defensive
- Upcoming Event
- February 12 referendum and elections
- Potential Risks
- Long-term sovereignty, strategic alignment