Sohini Bose, an associate fellow at the Delhi-based Observer Research Foundation, described visiting Malaysia first as a “practical choice” that would help Dhaka avoid speculation about its geopolitical leanings.
She said Rahman’s trips were expected to build on agreements reached during former interim leader Muhammad Yunus’ visits to both countries last year – covering trade and renewable energy cooperation with Malaysia, and in China, development of the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone in Chattogram and the modernisation of Mongla Port in southwestern Bangladesh.
Bose noted that Dhaka had turned to Delhi earlier this year for diesel supplies amid the global fuel crunch resulting from the US-Israel war on Iran, indicating Bangladesh recognised the value of stable ties.
“There is a pragmatic understanding on both sides that rebuilding Delhi-Dhaka ties should be a priority,” she said.
The coming visits are also designed to signal that Bangladesh has achieved “domestic normalcy” following the months of unrest and upheaval following Hasina’s ousting, according to Mustafa Izzuddin, a senior international affairs analyst at Singapore-based policy consultancy Solaris Strategies.
“The strategic objective is to restore economic relations with countries that matter,” he said, noting that Dhaka was seeking formal “sectoral dialogue partner” status with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, which would allow it to engage in specific policy areas without full membership of the bloc.
Mustafa, who is also a visiting international relations professor at the Islamic University of Indonesia, added that it was only a matter of time before Bangladesh’s new prime minister visited India, which remained “vitally important” for Dhaka’s economic development.
Any Indian concerns about the order of the visits stemmed from “China threat perception and fears about losing influence”, Shahjalal University’s Mohammad said, pointing to last month’s visit to India by Bangladesh’s foreign minister as a signal that “Dhaka wants a respectful, balanced relationship”.
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