By Saneem Afshain

Lately, China is progressively bringing Bangladesh into its debt-trap as it is already the major supplier of arms to Bangladesh. There is a propaganda that Bangladesh may be next to prey in China's debt-trap after Sri Lanka. As Dhaka acquired a substantial amount of military hardware from China which includes two Submarines, Missiles, guns, frigates and fighter aircraft, many countries in the region become jealous. Media systematic propaganda campaign reflects if Bangladesh is facing problems in the acquired arms, especially type 053H3 Frigates and K-8W fighter aircraft have developed snags.

In a search for rapid progress and development, Bangladesh China has initiating infrastructure projects. Four Chinese state-owned firms expressed their eagerness to build the Metro Rail Network in a recent affair along with a 'Smart City' on the land in Chittagong with their own funds in return for which the Chinese firms demanded a share of the incomes from the 'Smart City' after selling off the plots.

Last month, Bangladesh became the latest country in Asia to approach the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for funds because the economy is under stress due to swelling commodity prices after Russia-Ukraine war which weighed down heavily on the country’s foreign reserves. Bangladesh is also a participant in China’s BRI and currently, Dhaka owes about USD 4 billion, or 6 per cent of its total foreign debt, to Beijing.

As Chinese companies will build the Metro Rail in Chittagong with their own funds. After the completion of the project, Chinese technicians have given assurance that they will continue to stay in Chittagong for the maintenance of the Metro. As China will also handle the maintenance work to the Metro Rail Service as per the agreeement.

Actually, it is an attempt by China to strengthen their footsteps in Bangladesh, especially in Chittagong sea port which is strategically a significant place. The main aim of China to save Chittagong Sea port from foreign invasion, which is the main port of Bangladesh from where entire Bangladesh export and import takes place.

China is gradually bringing development in Bangladesh as beside major supplier of arms to Bangladesh, China has undertaken various projects. In the armament sector, Dhaka acquired a sizable amount of military hardware from China which includes two Submarines, Missiles, guns, frigates and fighter aircraft and the type 053H3 Frigates and K-8W fighter aircraft.

Bangladesh had procured the FM-90 (Chinese HQ-7A) system from China. The system is important for the Bangladesh Air Force's plans of setting up an Integrated Air Defense system.  Some of the pro-India Bangladesh Naval officers are against purchasing ships and other equipment from China as they do not want Chinese to counter Indians in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh Navy planned to build ships in Chittagong Dry Dock and like many other countries, China is also showing interest in the project. In this respect, the Bangladesh also sent their officers and personnel to China for training.

In a systematic Indian false media campaign It has also been alleged that China does not supply spare parts while supplying arms and ammunition and for the maintenance of the defense hardware, Chinese technicians will charge huge maintenance charges. Chinese projects in Bangladesh demonstrate the Chinese increasing influence in this South Asia country. This has created balance of power in the region.