Chinese envoy meets Jamaat-e-Islami in risk-hedging move ahead of Bangladesh polls – Firstpost

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen’s recent meeting with Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has drawn close attention across South Asian strategic circles.

Senior government sources told News18 that the engagement appears to be a calculated diplomatic move by Beijing ahead of Bangladesh’s high-stakes national elections, rather than an endorsement of the Islamist party’s ideology.

According to the report, China recognises Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh as one of the country’s most effective street-mobilisation forces during election periods. Regardless of its electoral performance, the party’s wide organisational network, disciplined cadre, and ability to mobilise supporters give it considerable influence during politically volatile moments. Beijing is believed to view this capability as a “force multiplier” — capable of shaping protest dynamics, influencing voter turnout, and affecting post-election stability.

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Engagement driven by post-election uncertainty

Officials indicate that China’s outreach is largely motivated by uncertainty over Bangladesh’s post-poll political landscape. With alliances fluid and electoral outcomes unpredictable, Beijing is engaging all influential actors to safeguard its strategic and economic interests. Interaction with Jamaat, sources say, provides China a fallback channel — an actor capable of both disruption and, if persuaded, helping de-escalate unrest.

Protecting Chinese investments

Stability during and after the elections is a central concern for Beijing. China has major investments in Bangladesh under the Belt and Road Initiative, including ports, power projects, and connectivity infrastructure — all of which are vulnerable during prolonged unrest or political violence. By engaging Jamaat’s leadership through its ambassador, China is believed to be seeking informal assurances to minimise risks to its projects and personnel during the election period.

Balancing regional influence

Government sources also highlight Jamaat’s traditionally India-sceptical stance, which Beijing views as a counterweight to New Delhi’s influence in Dhaka. Maintaining communication with such actors helps China preserve strategic balance, particularly if Bangladesh’s post-election leadership revisits its foreign policy priorities.

A pragmatic hedging strategy

The meeting is also interpreted as a subtle signal to Bangladesh’s political establishment that China has alternative options and can work with multiple power centres if needed. Sources stress, however, that this outreach should not be read as political backing. Rather, it reflects Beijing’s pragmatic approach to hedging risks by keeping all influential players engaged.

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