Dhaka, Bangladesh – The newly elected leader of Bangladesh’s Nationalist Party, Tarique Rahman, has expressed his desire for continued cooperation and joint development with China, signaling a potentially stable foreign policy direction for the nation following a recent historic election. The announcement comes as Bangladesh navigates a shifting geopolitical landscape and seeks to strengthen key international partnerships.
Rahman made the remarks on February 14, 2026, while responding to questions from Xinhua News Agency journalists at a press conference in Dhaka, the capital city. He stated that China has “long been regarded as an important development partner” by Bangladesh and voiced hope for a continued strong relationship.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party secured a victory in the national parliamentary elections held on February 12, 2026, with official results released on February 13, 2026. Rahman, the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, is expected to develop into the next prime minister. This marks a return to power for the party after a period of political transition.
The development underscores Bangladesh’s continued reliance on international partnerships for economic growth and stability. China’s role as a key development partner is expected to remain significant under the modern administration.
Meanwhile, China’s Foreign Ministry has also expressed its willingness to strengthen ties with Bangladesh. On February 13, 2026, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that China supports Bangladesh in advancing its domestic political agenda and is ready to work with the country to promote the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations, according to 澎湃新闻.
The election results also have implications for Bangladesh’s relationship with India, with analysts suggesting a need to reset ties, as reported by QQ News. The balance of trade between the two countries, with India holding a significant surplus, will likely be a key area of focus.
Rahman’s statement, as reported by Xinhua Net, signals a commitment to maintaining and strengthening existing international relationships as Bangladesh embarks on a new political chapter.
