China’s strategic influence in Bangladesh: Soft power with political intent

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has been strategically leveraging its soft power to influence Bangladesh, seeking to shape the country’s political landscape and public opinion in its favor.

Amid Bangladesh's political instability, China has seized the opportunity to advance its agenda, employing both political maneuvering and cultural outreach. While Beijing’s focus includes economic and military influence, it is also targeting Bangladesh’s youth to cultivate long-term political allegiance and solidify its standing in the region.

China’s increasing presence in Bangladesh has raised concerns both domestically and internationally. The CCP has invested heavily in key sectors such as infrastructure, education, and military cooperation, using these as avenues to build its influence. The recent political upheaval, including the removal of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has given Beijing an opening to strengthen its relations with the interim government and rebuild ties with the previous BNP administration and other political factions now in power under the caretaker regime.

Despite ongoing political turmoil, China has taken a careful yet assertive approach to safeguard its strategic interests. Following recent events, Chinese officials have expressed a desire to “further develop the 'all-round strategic partnership' with the new government in Bangladesh,” signaling Beijing’s intent to solidify ties regardless of the political leadership in place.

A central element of China’s strategy is to influence the attitudes of young Bangladeshis. By offering financial aid, scholarships, and grants for education, China is cultivating the next generation, ensuring that they develop a more favorable view of Beijing. In addition to supporting education, technology, and infrastructure, China has extended travel assistance to Bangladeshi students wishing to study in China, deepening their connection to Chinese culture and ideology.

A prominent tool in this effort is the expansion of Confucius Institutes (CIs) in Bangladesh. With branches at institutions like the University of Dhaka and North South University, China has firmly entrenched itself in the country’s educational system. These institutes go beyond offering language lessons—they serve as platforms for promoting the broader objectives of the CCP’s cultural and political influence. Over the past year, nearly 3,000 students have attended these institutes, fostering people-to-people connections that China hopes will result in long-lasting ties.

In November, the Confucius Institute at North South University in Dhaka hosted a special workshop on Chinese language education, further highlighting China’s efforts to influence Bangladesh through education. While these institutes may seem benign, they play a critical role in China’s geopolitical strategy. Overseen by the CCP’s United Front Work Department, they ensure that the content shared aligns with Beijing’s political goals.

Globally, Confucius Institutes have sparked concerns about academic freedom, as they operate under the direct supervision of the CCP. In Bangladesh, as in other countries, these institutes serve as tools for promoting Chinese policies and shaping public opinion in China’s favor.

China’s educational initiatives in Bangladesh also reflect in the growing number of Bangladeshi students studying in China, currently estimated at around 15,000. This academic exchange strengthens bilateral ties and further serves as a conduit for spreading China’s ideological influence.

Beyond education, China’s soft power extends to substantial investments in infrastructure and development projects through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). These initiatives not only showcase China’s economic strength but also offer Bangladesh significant financial support, aligning the country more closely with Beijing’s political and economic orbit.

Additionally, the Overseas Chinese Association (OCA) in Bangladesh has ramped up its activities to support China’s influence-building efforts. The OCA organizes events such as human resource cooperation fairs that facilitate partnerships between Chinese companies and Bangladeshi universities, offering scholarships and financial aid for students. Through these efforts, China is investing in Bangladesh’s future, hoping to cultivate a new generation of leaders aligned with its policies and vision.