Bangladesh is helping to create a geopolitical shift in South Asia
“Yunus’s diplomatic moves are rewiring this approach, forging connections to and beyond Beijing. In December 2024, Yunus met with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, agreeing to improve relations after decades of lingering mistrust (Bangladesh fought a war to gain independence from Pakistan in 1971). Besides establishing direct sea links and lifting restrictions on Pakistani imports, Yunus agreed to improve military cooperation. In February Bangladesh participated alongside Chinese vessels in Pakistan’s AMAN25 maritime exercises.”
“But India will not be pleased to see another bordering country acquiring Chinese-built advanced fighter aircraft. Neither will it welcome improved relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan. Hasina’s government had minimal diplomatic engagement with Lahore, and in public forums including the UN General Assembly Hasina strongly emphasized justice for alleged crimes committed during the 1971 war.”
“Yunus will have created further distance with New Delhi by pursuing closer military ties with Turkey. New Delhi was angered by President Erdoğan’s support for Pakistan during May’s military exchanges. But under Yunus, Dhaka is exploring working with Ankara to establish joint defence production facilities in Bangladesh, positioning it as a key hub for Turkish arms exports in South Asia and the Asia-Pacific.”
https://www.chathamhouse.org/2025/06/bangladesh-helping-create-geopolitical-shift-south-asia