- A Pakistani firm is expected to work as a subcontractor on the airbase project
Dhaka (Agencies): Bangladesh’s interim head of government, Muhammad Yunus, has reportedly invited China to build a strategic airbase in the country’s Lalmonirhat district, located near the northeastern border with India. This proposal comes amid Yunus’ recent trip to China, where he engaged in talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and secured various economic and infrastructural agreements.
The proposed airbase, if finalized, is expected to provide China with several significant benefits, both strategically and economically. The location of the airbase would place China in close proximity to India’s northeastern states, which are landlocked and separated from the rest of the country by the “Chicken Neck.” This would offer China enhanced military access to the region, increasing its influence over the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal.
The establishment of the airbase would allow China to further cement its military presence in South Asia, positioning itself as a dominant player in the region. The proximity to India’s northeastern border is of particular importance, as it would give China an upper hand in its competition with India for regional influence. This could disrupt India’s security strategies, especially with regard to its northeastern territories.
In addition to strengthening China’s regional military footprint, the airbase could provide critical logistical support for China’s maritime activities, ensuring smoother access to the Indian Ocean and vital trade routes. By increasing its presence in the region, China could significantly shift the balance of power, weakening India’s control over the Indian Ocean.
The airbase would complement China’s extensive investments in Bangladesh under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). China has already pledged substantial financial assistance to develop critical infrastructure in Bangladesh, including Mongla Port and the China Economic and Industrial Zone in Chattogram. The airbase would further secure and protect these investments, ensuring that trade routes remain uninterrupted and facilitating smoother trade between China, Bangladesh, and other key markets in South Asia.
Moreover, the airbase could become a hub for logistical operations, improving access to regional markets, including those in the Middle East. As a vital part of China’s global trade network, the airbase could provide China with greater control over the flow of goods, enhancing its economic influence in the region.
Another significant benefit for China lies in the growing role it could play in managing shared water resources in the region. Bangladesh shares critical river systems, such as the Teesta River, with India, and Yunus has reportedly sought Chinese assistance for long-term support in water management, including in the Teesta Barrage project. By gaining a foothold in the region’s hydrological affairs, China could exert greater influence in negotiations over the management of transboundary water resources, which is a key concern for Bangladesh and India.
This development comes as Bangladesh appears to be recalibrating its diplomatic relations, notably with India. While previous administrations, particularly that of Sheikh Hasina, sought closer cooperation with India, Yunus’ government seems to be pivoting towards China for support on key issues, including water management and infrastructure development.
The proposed airbase and other Chinese investments are set to shape the future trajectory of Bangladesh’s foreign policy, with a potential shift away from its traditional reliance on India.
In a related development, sources have indicated that a Pakistani firm is expected to work as a subcontractor on the airbase project in Lalmonirhat. This addition further strengthens the ties between Bangladesh and Pakistan, which have been undergoing a diplomatic thaw following the ouster of the Awami League government in 2024.
The visit of Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to Bangladesh in late April and the forthcoming trip of Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch to Dhaka in mid-April are part of efforts to boost bilateral relations between the two countries. These visits are expected to focus on enhancing trade, defense cooperation, and air connectivity between the nations, signaling a growing partnership amidst shifting regional alliances.
The proposed Chinese airbase in Lalmonirhat represents a major shift in the geopolitical landscape of South Asia, offering China a strategic foothold in the region while furthering its economic and infrastructure ambitions. With Bangladesh navigating its relationship between China and India, this move could have significant implications for regional security, trade, and diplomatic relations in the coming years.