At the beginning of the war in 1971, our freedom fighters had in their hands the “three-naught-three” rifle, and the Pakistani army had a modern rifle made by China. Many Bangladeshis came to know of China for the first time when they heard about these Chinese rifles, used by the Pakistani army, which killed hundreds of our people, women and children during the war of liberation.
On the other hand, India came forward to help Bangladesh at that time. When the Indian government started giving modern weapons to our freedom fighters, the Pakistani army began to lose. But China was in favour of Pakistan and as long as the Father of the Nation “Bangabandhu” Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was alive, China did not recognize Bangladesh. However, after his death, China recognized the nation, and went on to have good relations with Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia, staunch opponents of the Awami League in the field of Bangladeshi politics. Although China does have relations with the Sheikh Hasina government, inwardly their relations are with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which was known to be pro-China and anti-Independence.
August 15 is the day of the death of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman—and also the day BNP leader Begum Khaleda Zia declared as her birthday, even though it isn’t. Last year, on this day of mourning for the Bangladeshis, the Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh sent a bouquet of flowers for Khaleda Zia and joined the celebrations.
Although the Chinese have invested in Bangladesh, there are no grants or aid which come from them. They invest and earn interest. However, Bangladesh’s relationship with India is not just about neighborliness or friendship. It began with the birth of the nation. India took the risk of a war for Bangladesh. The lives of both Indian soldiers and Bangladeshi freedom fighters were sacrificed during the war of liberation. India also gave shelter to our refugees. India is a tested friend of Bangladesh.
On the other hand, when the Myanmar government started torturing the Rohingyas and they entered Bangladesh in groups, China stood up for Myanmar.
Although Bangladesh is involved in China’s initiative for the Covid-19 vaccine now, it is temporary. This has been discussed inside the country. As progressive intellectuals and political leaders of the nation think, China can never be a true friend of Bangladesh.