Dhaka: Bangladesh’s caretaker leader Muhammad Yunus has departed for China on Wednesday for his first state visit, as tensions with India push his administration to seek new diplomatic and economic partnerships.

During his three-day visit, the 84-year-old Nobel laureate is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday, along with other high-level officials. He will return to Dhaka on Saturday. The visit marks a significant shift in Bangladesh’s foreign policy, following the toppling of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last year. Hasina, a close ally of India, fled to New Delhi after a student-led uprising.

Strengthening Ties with China
Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry Secretary Mohammad Jashim Uddin emphasized that choosing China for Yunus’s first state visit sends a clear message about Dhaka’s changing geopolitical strategy. Several agreements are expected to be signed, covering economic and technical assistance, cultural and sports cooperation, and media collaboration.

"We are expecting declarations on key issues including the economy, investment, and economic zones," Jashim Uddin said. Discussions will also include the establishment of a Chinese 'Friendship Hospital' in Bangladesh, reflecting efforts to enhance healthcare cooperation between the two countries.

Rohingya Crisis on the Agenda
Another major topic of discussion will be the Rohingya refugee crisis. Bangladesh hosts nearly one million Rohingya refugees, most of whom fled Myanmar's military crackdown in 2017. China has previously mediated repatriation talks between Bangladesh and Myanmar, though these efforts stalled due to Myanmar’s reluctance to accept the refugees back.

"Rohingya repatriation will be a point of discussion, as China has previously attempted to broker a deal," Jashim Uddin stated.

Tensions with India and Future Relations
Yunus's visit comes amid deteriorating ties with India, Bangladesh’s largest neighbor and former close ally. The collapse of Hasina’s government led to diplomatic strains, with India rejecting Dhaka’s request for her extradition to face crimes against humanity charges over the killing of protesters during her rule.

The worsening ties have also impacted medical tourism, as thousands of Bangladeshis who previously traveled to India for treatment have faced hurdles in crossing the border.

In an effort to reset relations, Yunus has sought a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a regional summit in Bangkok next month, but India has not yet responded. Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar said the request was "under review".

Engagement with Chinese Business Leaders
During his trip, Yunus will also participate in an Investment Dialogue with Chinese Business Leaders and is set to receive an honorary doctorate from Peking University, further solidifying Bangladesh’s engagement with China.

Democratic Reforms and Future Elections
Yunus's caretaker government faces the critical task of implementing democratic reforms ahead of new elections expected by mid-2026. His administration is navigating a challenging political landscape, balancing relations between China and India while addressing domestic economic and political concerns.