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Over the past decade, China has steadily deepened its strategic footprint in Bangladesh—not only through infrastructure and trade, but also by shaping public discourse, academic narratives, and policy thinking. This report investigates how Chinese influence is now permeating Bangladeshi media, social media, legacy journalism, think tanks, and educational institutions. Through a calculated mix of partnerships, soft power diplomacy, and information management strategies, Beijing has embedded itself within the very architecture of Bangladesh’s informational and educational landscape.

Since the political transition that led to the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the rise of unelected Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, this influence has grown notably more aggressive and targeted. While China’s economic presence in Bangladesh has long been visible, its efforts to control the narrative and sway public sentiment have accelerated in recent months—often under the radar.

From glowing media coverage of China-backed jute initiatives to frequent publication of geopolitically loaded stories unrelated to Bangladesh, a pattern of alignment with Beijing’s interests is evident. Influential think tanks are hosting Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) promotion events; universities are expanding Chinese partnerships and language programs; and prominent journalists and social media influencers are echoing narratives favorable to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

This investigation draws on a broad body of evidence—spanning news articles, institutional collaborations, diplomatic signals, and social media analysis—to expose the subtle but systematic manner in which China is shaping the national discourse in one of South Asia’s most geopolitically significant nations.

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Media Influence

1. Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS)

Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) is the news agency of Bangladesh. BSS was established on 1 January 1972 by the Government of Bangladesh soon after the Bangladesh Liberation War. Mahbub Morshed is the current managing director and chief editor of the agency.

News Exchange Agreements with Chinese Groups:

• Signed MoUs with China Media Group (CMG) and Xinhua News Agency in July 2024, during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to China. (Link: https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/dhaka-beijing-sign-21-instruments-announce-7-projects-3653501)

• News Exchange Agreement with Xinhua: Signed in 2023, this agreement enables content sharing between BSS and Xinhua, focusing on news related to Bangladesh-China relations, such as BRI projects (e.g., Padma Bridge) and diplomatic events. It promotes positive coverage of China’s role in Bangladesh. 

• Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) routinely publishes press releases from the Chinese Embassy and reprints Xinhua News Agency articles verbatim, often irrespective of their direct relevance to Bangladesh. This consistent practice reflects a strong alignment with Beijing’s official narratives and frequently promotes China’s strategic and political messaging without critical analysis.
  
• Following is a comprehensive analysis of articles, news reports, and editorials published by BSS in March and April 2025, with particular emphasis on the diplomatic visit of Chief Adviser (CA) Yunus to China from March 26 to March 29, 2025.

Overall Statistics

• Criteria:
  • Pro-China: Articles that portray China positively, highlight cooperation, investments, or cultural ties with Bangladesh, or defend Chinese policies/interests.
  • Anti-China: Articles that criticize China, highlight tensions, debt traps, human rights issues, or geopolitical concerns involving China.
  • Neutral: Articles that mention China without clear positive or negative bias or focus on factual reporting without judgment.
• Total China-Related Articles: 127
• Pro-China: 57 (44.9%)
• Anti-China: 11 (8.7%)
• Neutral: 59 (46.5%)

Before CA’s Visit (March 1–25, 2025)

Total Articles: 37

Pro-China: 14

• Chinese lessons in Saudi schools show growing ties (4 Mar)
  • China-Russia ties a ‘constant in a turbulent world’: Chinese FM (7 Mar)
  • China to use AI in elder care as population ages: official (9 Mar)
  • China eyes increases investment in Bangladesh’s key sectors: envoy (11 Mar)
  • Debut of Manus AI digital assistant from China causes stir (11 Mar)
  • Chinese solar panel giant Longi to invest in Bangladesh: envoy (16 Mar)
  • Chief Adviser goes to China Mar 26, meets President Xi Mar 28: Shafiqul (16 Mar)
  • China says to pursue ‘correct’ path of globalisation (23 Mar)
  • CA’s visit to China will be a milestone: Envoy (23 Mar)
  • China says seeking to deepen ties with France in ‘turbulent’ world (24 Mar)
  • China to import mango, guava, jackfruit from Bangladesh (20 Mar)
  • Yunus to hold talks with Xi on March 28: Foreign Ministry (13 Mar)
  • CA leaves for China tomorrow, meets President Xi Mar 28 (25 Mar)
  • CA’s China visit to focus on drawing foreign investment: Alam (25 Mar)
  • Several instruments to be signed during CA’s visit to China (25 Mar)
  • BEPZA chief eyes high-end product manufacturing industries in CA’s China visit (19 Mar)

Categories of Focus

• Economic Cooperation: China’s investments in Bangladesh, including key sectors and fruit imports (e.g., “China eyes increases investment in Bangladesh’s key sectors: envoy” [11 Mar]).
  • Diplomacy and Global Role: China’s diplomatic efforts with Bangladesh, France, and Russia (e.g., “China says seeking to deepen ties with France” [24 Mar]).
  • Technological Innovation: Advancements in AI for elder care and digital assistants (e.g., “China to use AI in elder care” [9 Mar]).
  • Bangladesh-China Relations: Anticipation of CA Yunus’s visit and bilateral agreements (e.g., “CA’s visit to China will be a milestone: Envoy” [23 Mar]).

Anti-China: 5

• Hong Kong firm offloads Panama ports after Trump pressure (5 Mar)
  • China-US trade war heats up as Beijing’s tariffs take effect (10 Mar)
  • Beijing warns UK against ‘provoking tensions’ over South China Sea (11 Mar)
  • China warns ICC against ‘politicisation’ in arrest of Duterte (11 Mar)
  • China says acted ‘in accordance with the law’ after Canadians executed (20 Mar)

Categories of Focus

• Geopolitical Tensions: China’s confrontational stance in disputes, such as South China Sea warnings to the UK and ICC criticism over Duterte’s arrest (e.g., “Beijing warns UK against ‘provoking tensions’ over South China Sea” [11 Mar]).
• Trade Conflicts and Controversies: Escalating US-China trade war and controversial actions like executing Canadians, portraying China negatively (e.g., “China-US trade war heats up as Beijing’s tariffs take effect” [10 Mar]).

Checkout the complete report : Link

During CA’s Visit (March 26–29, 2025)

Total Articles: 19

Pro-China: 16

• CA arrives in Hainan to join Boao Forum meet (26 Mar)
  • CA to speak at Boao Forum meet in China tomorrow (26 Mar)
  • China Executive Vice Premier meets CA (27 Mar)
  • China Export-Import Bank chairman calls on CA (27 Mar)
  • In Beijing, France FM urges ‘powerful’ ties with China (27 Mar)
  • Chinese Exim Bank to support relocation of manufacturing plants in Bangladesh (27 Mar)
  • CA seeks FAO’s support in exporting fruits, farm products to China (27 Mar)
  • China and Bangladesh to deepen ties (27 Mar)
  • Renowned Chinese banker meets Chief Adviser in Hainan (27 Mar)
  • Chief Adviser holds talks with Chinese President (28 Mar)
  • CA seeks China’s greater role in establishing peace, prosperity, stability (28 Mar)
  • Xi assures CA of more investment in Bangladesh (28 Mar)
  • Dhaka, Beijing agree to strengthen cooperation in hydrological forecasting, flood prevention (28 Mar)
  • Bangladesh and China ink 9 instruments (28 Mar)
  • Dhaka seeks a 50-year master plan from Beijing for water management (28 Mar)
  • Bangladesh secures commitment of $2.1 billion in investments, loans and grants from China (28 Mar)
  • Xi lauds taste of Bangladeshi mangoes, jackfruits (28 Mar)
  • Bangladesh-China relations to enter new stage: CA Yunus (28 Mar)
  • CA invites Chinese investors to relocate their factories to Bangladesh (29 Mar)
  • Peking University confers honorary doctorate on Prof Yunus (29 Mar)
  • China Eastern to operate flight on Chittagong-Kunming route (29 Mar)
  • China’s Xi sends quake condolences to Myanmar junta chief (29 Mar)
  • CA returns home wrapping up historic China trip (29 Mar)
  • CA leaves Beijing for home (29 Mar)

Categories of Focus

• Diplomatic Engagement: High-level meetings, including CA Yunus with Chinese leaders, strengthen bilateral ties (e.g., “Chief Adviser holds talks with Chinese President” [28 Mar]).
• Economic Cooperation: China’s $2.1 billion investment and support for manufacturing and trade in Bangladesh (e.g., “Bangladesh secures commitment of $2.1 billion in investments” [28 Mar]).
• Cultural and Trade Bonds: Agreements and gestures like fruit exports and an honorary doctorate for Yunus enhance relations (e.g., “Xi lauds taste of Bangladeshi mangoes, jackfruits” [28 Mar]).

Anti-China: 0

Neutral: 3

• France’s top diplomat in China for talks on Ukraine, trade (27 Mar)
• China’s Xi says free trade facing ‘severe challenges’ (28 Mar)
• China’s top diplomat Wang Yi to visit Russia for Ukraine talks (28 Mar)

After CA’s Visit (March 30–April 30, 2025)

Total Articles: 71

Pro-China: 27

Categories of Focus

• Economic Strength: Strong exports, space missions, and renewable energy achievements (e.g., “Chinese exports soared in March” [14 Apr]).
• Global Diplomacy: State visits and assertive stances against pressures (e.g., “China’s Xi meets Malaysian leaders” [16 Apr]).
• Bangladesh-China Ties: Investments and cultural exchanges post-visit (e.g., “China to gift 1,000-bed hospital” [13 Apr]).

Trends and Notable Observations

• Before CA’s Visit (March 1–25, 2025):
  • Pro-China: 14 (37.8%)
  • Anti-China: 5 (13.5%)
  • Neutral: 18 (48.6%)
  • Observations: Neutral articles dominate, reflecting factual reporting on trade tensions and diplomatic activities. Pro-China articles focus on anticipated cooperation with Bangladesh and technological advancements, while anti-China articles highlight early trade war issues and geopolitical tensions.
    
• During CA’s Visit (March 26–29, 2025):
  • Pro-China: 16 (84.2%)
  • Anti-China: 0 (0%)
  • Neutral: 3 (15.8%)
  • Observations: Strongly pro-China, driven by positive coverage of CA Yunus’s visit, investment agreements, and diplomatic engagements, with no anti-China articles, emphasizing strengthened bilateral ties.

• After CA’s Visit (March 30–April 30, 2025):
  • Pro-China: 27 (38.0%)
  • Anti-China: 6 (8.5%)
  • Neutral: 38 (53.5%)
  • Observations: Neutral articles are the majority, covering trade negotiations, economic updates, and diplomatic activities. Pro-China articles continue to highlight Bangladesh-China cooperation and other positive engagements, while anti-China articles focus on trade wars and regional tensions.

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2. United News of Bangladesh (UNB)

• United News of Bangladesh (UNB) is a Bangladesh private sector news agency established in 1988. Enayetullah Khan established UNB in the 1980s. It is the first fully digitized private wire service in South Asia. UNB has news exchange agreements with other major news agencies and networks, such as Associated Press, UNI, Xinhua, Kyodo, ANSA, Suomen Tietotoimisto and . UNB is a member of international bodies such as Organization of Asian and Pacific News Agencies, Commonwealth Press Union, Asian Mass Communication Research and Information Centre and AsiaNet.
• Holds a news exchange agreement with Xinhua signed in September 2018.
• Frequently republishes stories from Xinhua on:
  • China’s humanitarian aid to Gaza, Africa, and South Asia.
  • Chinese President Xi Jinping’s diplomatic achievements.
  • U.S. aggression towards Taiwan, framed from the PRC’s perspective.

The United News of Bangladesh (UNB) has faced scrutiny for promoting pro-China narratives, driven by its 2018 news exchange agreement with Xinhua, China’s state-run news agency. This partnership facilitates content sharing, aligning with Beijing’s strategy to expand global media influence. UNB’s coverage often portrays China favorably across economic, cultural, environmental, and foreign policy narratives, including sensitive issues like the treatment of Muslims, which contrasts with international reports of human rights abuses. Below is a concise analysis with evidence highlighting UNB’s pro-China bias.

Social Media Presence

• Facebook: 709K followers
• Twitter (x):  6,160 Followers
• YouTube: 144K subscribers
  
  

UNB-Xinhua Agreement

In 2018, UNB signed a news exchange agreement with Xinhua to share articles, images, and videos, aiming to strengthen Bangladesh-China ties. While presented as cultural cooperation, the deal raises concerns about editorial independence, as Xinhua’s content reflects the Chinese Communist Party’s agenda, promoting positive narratives about China’s policies, economy, and global role.

YouTube Channel of UNB and the positive coverage of China

• 70th Anniversary of PRC Exhibition (2019): Celebrates China’s achievements, with Bangladesh’s Education Minister praising China’s support, reinforcing Beijing’s image as a benevolent partner.
• Bangladesh-China Relations: Prognosis for the Future (2021): A 2+ hour discussion highlights China’s role in Bangladesh’s development, echoing Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) narratives without addressing debt risks.
• Id Kah Mosque in Xinjiang (2023): Showcases tourism in Xinjiang, ignoring human rights abuses against Uyghurs, aligning with China’s sanitized narrative.
• Mindray’s Global Impact (2023): Promotes a Chinese medical tech firm, emphasizing China’s innovation leadership.
• Yunus Urges Chinese Investment (2025): Features Yunus inviting Chinese investors, reflecting Bangladesh’s pro-China shift.

Contrasting Evidence

UNB’s positive portrayal of China contrasts with global reports. For instance, while UNB highlights Muslim celebrations, international sources document China’s detention of over 1 million Uyghurs, forced labor, and religious suppression in Xinjiang. Similarly, UNB’s emphasis on China’s economic and environmental leadership omits issues like BRI debt traps or China’s high carbon emissions, suggesting selective reporting influenced by the Xinhua agreement and Bangladesh’s growing economic reliance on China.

Chinese Embassy and Ambassadors’ Engagement with UNB

The Chinese embassy and its ambassadors have actively engaged with UNB, using the platform to publish articles that promote Beijing’s narratives, indicating UNB’s role as a key channel for Chinese diplomacy in Bangladesh. Examples include:

• June 24, 2020: Ambassador Li Jiming published “Humanity is a Community with a Shared Future” on UNB, promoting China’s vision of global cooperation, a cornerstone of its foreign policy.
• July 1, 2020: On the day China granted zero-tariff treatment to 97% of Bangladeshi exports, Ambassador Li Jiming published “New Starting Point, New Hope” on UNB, highlighting China’s economic support and strengthening bilateral ties.
• July 6, 2020: Li Jiming’s article “Some Basic Facts About Hong Kong National Security Law” appeared on UNB, defending China’s controversial law and countering global criticism, also published on Bangladesh Post and bdnews24. These instances show UNB’s prominence in disseminating Chinese diplomatic messaging.

Overall Statistics

Download Complete Report : Link

• Total China-Related Articles: 66
• Pro-China: 35 articles (53.03%)
• Anti-China: 6 articles (9.09%)
• Neutral: 25 articles (37.88%)

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Dhaka Tribune

The Dhaka Tribune is a prominent English-language daily newspaper in Bangladesh, launched on 19 April 2013 and headquartered in Dhaka. Known for its dynamic op-ed section and contemporary news coverage, it appeals to a diverse readership including youth, expatriates, diplomats, academics, and the business community. The newspaper also operates a Bengali-language online platform called Bangla Tribune.
Published by Kazi Anis Ahmed and edited by Zafar Sobhan, a renowned journalist and international columnist, the Dhaka Tribune has emerged as one of the fastest-growing English dailies in the country.

Although Dhaka Tribune does not have a formal news-sharing agreement with Xinhua or other Chinese state media, as per available records, several editorial decisions and media practices reveal a consistent alignment with Chinese narratives, particularly around foreign policy, investment, and soft power.
Frequently publishes interviews and analyses aligning with China’s official stance.

Example:

“China is Bangladesh’s tested friend in need” – article praising China’s vaccine support and BRI-linked infrastructure.

Several BRI-positive coverage pieces around the Padma Bridge Rail Link and Karnaphuli Tunnel.

Evidence of Pro-China Editorial Tendencies

1. Publishing Chinese Ambassador’s Propaganda Articles

• On February 1, 2022, Dhaka Tribune published an op-ed by then-Chinese Ambassador Li Jiming, titled “Beijing Winter Olympics: Together for a Shared Future”.
• The editorial promoted China’s global image and Beijing 2022 Olympics, reflecting the typical soft-power messaging used by Xinhua and CGTN.

Source: Dhaka Tribune Op-Ed

2. Repeated Interviews Promoting Chinese Foreign Policy

• In multiple interviews (e.g., March 16, 2024, and August 31, 2022), Dhaka Tribune gave exclusive space to Chinese ambassadors to defend China’s geopolitical stance and pitch strategic narratives on China-Bangladesh cooperation.

Source: Embassy FB Post – March 2024

3. Publishing Rebuttals to China-Critical Editorials

• On April 27, 2023, Dhaka Tribune published a sub-editorial questioning Chinese debt practices titled: “Strings Firmly Attached: Can Bangladesh Avoid Falling into the Chinese Debt Trap?”
• Shortly after, it published a rebuttal by the Chinese Embassy’s Economic Counsellor, minimizing China’s debt risks and labeling Chinese loans as a “treasure trove.”
• Subsequent debt-related stories in Dhaka Tribune have avoided directly naming China, despite discussing debt traps broadly. (Debt Trap Coverage – 2024)

4. Publishing Supplements Celebrating CCP Anniversaries

• On October 1, 2023, Dhaka Tribune published a Chinese embassy-funded supplement celebrating the 74th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, including narratives around Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) achievements.
• Also participated in similar supplement campaigns in 2021 and 2022 along with other pro-China outlets.

5. High-Level Editorial Meeting with Chinese Delegation

• On March 5, 2024, Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen, along with representatives from Xinhua, China Media Group, and Chinese Enterprises Association, met with Dhaka Tribune’s Editor Zafar Sobhan and editorial staff.
• The meeting focused on media cooperation, BRI promotion, and synchronized narratives around China’s global role.

Check the pro Chinese Orientation of Kazi Anis Ahmed in this respect in the complete report

Overall Statistics

Total China-Related Articles Analysed (March to June 2025) : 31

• Pro-China: 17 articles (54.8%)
• Anti-China: 3 articles (9.7%)
• Neutral: 11 articles (35.5%)

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Daily Observer

The Daily Observer is an English-language daily newspaper in Bangladesh, launched on 1 February 2011. It was founded by Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury, the former editor of The Bangladesh Observer, following the closure of that publication. As a continuation of his journalistic legacy, The Daily Observer serves as a key platform for national news and opinion. In 2017, its editor faced a defamation lawsuit filed by Awami League MP Nizam Uddin Hazari over a critical article.

Evidence of Pro-China Editorial Bias in the Daily Observer

1. Selective, Uncritical Promotion of China’s Soft Power and Tech

• “China innovates eco-friendly pesticide safe for human consumption”
  → Presents China as a global leader in sustainable technology without any independent scientific or third-party validation. The tone mirrors Chinese propaganda emphasizing green innovation.
• “China’s first high-level automated driving zone enters large-scale deployment phase”
  → Echoes Chinese claims of tech leadership, portraying progress without context about surveillance or data rights concerns that such technologies often raise in democratic media.

2. Favorable Diplomatic Framing

• “China ready to help Teesta River dev project soon: Ambassador Yao”
  → Frames China as a generous, ready partner on a sensitive regional issue, subtly undermining India’s position on Teesta water-sharing. No critical voices included, nor mention of strategic implications.
• “China will stand by Bangladesh to protect its sovereignty”
  → Direct amplification of Chinese ambassador Yao Wen’s line—suggesting a military-political alliance. The article does not explore whether this claim has domestic support or regional repercussions.
• “BD, China hold talks on bilateral ties, ‘common concern’”
  → Emphasizes “mutual respect” and “shared development goals”—terms lifted directly from Chinese state media diplomacy templates.

3. Highlighting Pro-China Geopolitical Narratives

• “China expresses deep concern over India’s missile strikes in Pakistan”
  → Prioritizes Chinese condemnation of India, serving Beijing’s South Asia narrative. The story doesn’t include Indian views or broader geopolitical context.
• “China vows to stand with Russia in face of ‘hegemonic bullying’”
  → Propagates Chinese alignment with Russia against the West without analysis or critique. Uses CCP language like “hegemonic bullying” uncritically.

4. Showcasing China as an Economic Savior

• “Mangoes set to make maiden voyage to China” and
  “1.2 lakh metric tons of mangoes to be exported to China”
  → Both portray China as opening new economic opportunities for Bangladesh. There is no mention of trade dependency, market access risks, or phytosanitary standards—key journalistic checks.
• “China eyes Waste-to-Energy projects in Bangladesh”
  → Promotes China’s environmental investment in Bangladesh as a goodwill gesture, omitting discussions of previous project controversies or environmental impact studies.

5. Amplification of China’s Global Vision

• “China supports vision of strong, democratic Bangladesh: Fakhrul”
  → Uses a local political figure to legitimize China’s claim of supporting democracy—without balancing it with China’s own record on human rights and press freedom.
• “China says on ‘right side of history’ in trade standoff with US”
  → Gives headline space to Chinese ideological framing, common in Global Times and Xinhua, positioning Beijing as morally superior.

While the Daily Observer does not openly declare a formal partnership with Chinese media, its consistent editorial tone, uncritical amplification of Chinese diplomatic language, and repetition of Beijing’s narratives across tech, diplomacy, education, and South Asia politics provide clear evidence of pro-China media alignment.

Overall Statistics

Total China-Related Articles Analysed (March to June 2025) :  53

• Pro-China: 29 articles (54.7%)
• Anti-China: 2 articles (3.8%)
• Neutral: 22 articles (41.5%)

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Prothom Alo

Prothom Alo, the most widely circulated Bangladeshi daily with over 6.6 million online readers, has exhibited a consistent editorial tone that aligns with Chinese diplomatic interests and narratives. There are several notable instances and media practices suggesting its pro-China stance:

Chinese Embassy Supplements and Sponsored Content

On October 1, 2022, Prothom Alo published a full-page supplement in collaboration with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Bangladesh to commemorate the 74th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. The supplement featured:

• An article by Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen titled “China and Bangladesh: Heart to Heart, @Future.”
• Graphical representations showcasing Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) achievements.
• Highlighted Chinese companies contributing to Bangladesh’s development projects.

This type of promotional collaboration reinforces China’s soft power and portrays bilateral relations in a heavily favorable light.

Exclusive Interviews with Chinese Diplomats

On December 12, 2022, Prothom Alo published a full-length exclusive interview with Chinese Ambassador Li Jiming, titled “Future of China and Bangladesh Relations is Very Bright.” The article gave prominent space to the ambassador’s optimistic vision of Sino-Bangladesh ties, with minimal critical questioning or opposing views, further indicating an editorial leaning toward promoting Chinese diplomatic messaging.

YouTube Channel Coverage and Tone

Prothom Alo‘s YouTube channel, with over 5 million followers, features numerous videos on China, many of which carry positive or neutral tones on Chinese policies, development, and bilateral cooperation. Examples include:

• “সময়ের আগেই যেভাবে কার্বন নিঃসরণ কমিয়ে ফেলছে চীন” (How China reduced carbon emissions ahead of time)
• “চীন–ভারতের নতুন কূটনীতি” (New diplomacy between China and India)
• “ওষুধ উৎপাদনে যেভাবে বিশ্বসেরা হতে চায় চীন” (How China plans to become a global leader in pharmaceuticals)
• Repeated features on Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridges and China’s New Year celebrations.

Check out the complete report for the detailed statistics

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Journalists Taken to Xinjiang on Sponsored Trips

In July 2023, the Chinese government sponsored a 10-member Bangladeshi media delegation to Xinjiang, aiming to strengthen media ties and promote China’s narrative on sensitive issues like human rights, ethnic policy, and the Belt and Road Initiative.

The delegation included journalists from major Bangladeshi media outlets:

• Masud Karim – Chief Reporter, Daily Jugantor
• Titu Das Gupta – Deputy Editor, The Business Standard
• Mir Mostafizur Rahaman – Special Correspondent, The Financial Express
• Porimol Palma – Diplomatic Correspondent, The Daily Star
• AKM Moinuddin – Special Correspondent, UNB
• Nafiza Dawla – Special Correspondent, Independent TV
• Ashiqur Rahman Apu – Chief Reporter, ATN News
• Tasnim Mohsin Mishu – Diplomatic Correspondent, Daily Samakal
• Ahmed Reza – Senior Reporter, Jamuna TV
• Tajwar Mahmid – Diplomatic Correspondent, Somoy TV

During the visit, they toured locations such as the Xinjiang Museum in Urumqi and were briefed on China’s policies related to religion, ethnic unity, rural development, women’s rights, and human rights laws. The trip was promoted as an opportunity for the journalists to “learn the truth about Xinjiang” directly from the ground—language that mirrors Chinese state media rhetoric aimed at downplaying allegations of repression in the region.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen praised the initiative and urged Bangladeshi journalists to document and spread positive stories about China-Bangladesh friendship, effectively encouraging them to act as informal ambassadors for Chinese soft power.

This trip is part of a broader pattern of Beijing-sponsored tours, which critics say are designed to influence foreign media coverage and shape favorable public opinion in strategically important countries like Bangladesh.

Source: Dhaka Tribune, July 21, 2023

1. February 2025 — 22‑Member “Friendship Delegation” Including Journalists

• A 22-member delegation — featuring leaders from major political parties, think tanks, student groups, and two journalists — visited Beijing, Shaanxi, and Yunnan for an 11‑day trip.
• The tour was organized by the Communist Party of China (CPC) to “press the acceleration button” on diplomatic outreach following Bangladesh’s political transition (dhakatribune.com).
• The delegation included UNB Special Correspondent Abdur Rahman Jahangir and Dainik Amader Somoy Diplomatic Correspondent Md Arifuzzaman Mamun (dhakatribune.com, Global Times)

 2. June 2024 — 19‑Member Youth Exchange Program with Journalists

• From June 2–11, 2024, a 19-member youth delegation, comprising 13 university professors, 3 researchers, and 3 journalists, visited Yunnan, Shanghai, and Beijing.
• Organized by the Centre for China Studies and Shanghai Institute for International Studies, the visit aimed to exchange views on technology, urban planning, sustainability, and culture (thefinancialexpress.com.bd).

Read the case study on Bangladeshi Journalist Israt Amin

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Prominent Influencers

Salahuddin Sumon

Link:  www.youtube.com/@SalahuddinSumon

• Joined Oct 21, 2011
• 2.66M subscribers
• 586 videos
• 516,227,864 views

Controversial Travels and videos:

Based on the content pattern, Salahuddin Sumon is a popular Bangladeshi YouTuber and travel vlogger with 2.66 million subscribers. His channel includes a significant number of travel documentaries from China and Tibet, many of which are presented in a positive and sometimes promotional tone. This includes:

Indicators of Pro-China Narrative:

1. Frequent travel content from China, Tibet, and Xinjiang – over 25+ videos in the last few months alone.
2. Video titles often portray Chinese culture, infrastructure, and Muslims in a favorable light, e.g.:
   • “Bangladeshi tourists overwhelmed by the hospitality of Chinese Muslims”
   • “China’s 644-year-old mosque”
   • “The world’s highest railway to Tibet”
   • “Chopsticks taught by a Chinese girl”
3. Rarely includes any critical content about issues like human rights in Tibet or Xinjiang, despite covering these regions extensively.
4. Travel facilitated by Chinese entities? Several titles imply organized trips (e.g., “Bangladeshi tourists” group format), suggesting potential collaboration with China’s soft power or tourism outreach programs.
5. High-quality production and consistent coverage of China’s rural and urban development, which is a known tactic in China’s global narrative-building strategy.

Activities Suggesting Pro-China Activities

A growing pattern of Salahuddin Sumon’s activities, affiliations, and omissions strongly indicate a pro-China alignment that goes beyond casual travel content:

• Founder of Bengal Vista – A China-Focused Travel Company:
  Sumon is the founder of Bengal Vista (Link: https://www.facebook.com/bengalvistabd, https://bengalvista.com.bd/)  , a travel agency that appears almost exclusively dedicated to promoting tourism to China.
  The “About Us” section of Bengal Vista is explicitly framed around Sumon’s admiration for China:

“…I’m bringing that same level of dedication and insight to help you discover China like never before… We offer comprehensive services for all types of Chinese visas, expertly crafted tour packages across China…”

The agency also promotes package tours to Tibet and other Chinese regions, reinforcing a highly curated, government-friendly narrative of China’s image to Bangladeshi travellers.

Md Enamul Hassan

Md Enamul Hassan, a former diplomatic correspondent for the Daily Sun in Bangladesh, emerged as a key Bangladeshi voice promoting Chinese state narratives—especially during sensitive geopolitical moments surrounding Xinjiang, Tibet (Xizang), and the COVID-19 pandemic. After relocating to Beijing to work as a news editor and broadcast journalist with China Media Group (CMG), China’s primary state-run broadcaster, Hassan became a visible agent in the CCP’s international public relations efforts. He is currently based in England, and since 2023, his media activity appears to have declined significantly.

Media Personality Used to Legitimize Xinjiang Narratives

Hassan’s most prominent role in China’s soft power strategy was as a “foreign journalist eyewitness” used to validate Beijing’s version of the situation in Xinjiang, a region marred by global allegations of genocide and repression of Uyghur Muslims.

In the YouTube video titled “A Bangladeshi Journalist Takes You to Discover Xinjiang” (Tianshan Fairyland, Nov 11, 2021), Hassan praises Xinjiang as “a land full of surprises,” noting its “stunning scenery, tasty food, and warm-hearted people.” Urging viewers to “see for yourself,” Hassan serves as a conduit for the Chinese government’s disinformation strategy: presenting Xinjiang as a tourist-friendly region rather than a human rights flashpoint.

Watch: A Bangladeshi journalist takes you to discover Xinjiang

His views were amplified not only by Chinese state-linked YouTube channels but also by official propaganda handles such as Discover Xinjiang, and retweeted by Zhao Lijian, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, signaling top-level approval and orchestration.

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Mahedi Hassan Sunny

Mahedi Hassan Sunny, a Bangladeshi national and graduate of Peking University’s Yuanpei College, has become a recurring face in Chinese state-linked media promoting pro-China narratives. Though Sunny does not command a large social media following of his own, he has been prominently featured by Chinese state-run media outlets to project positive narratives about China—especially its development, technological progress, ethnic harmony, and poverty alleviation programs.

Activities Used to Amplify Chinese Narratives

• China Daily (2021–2022) featured multiple articles and videos authored or starring Sunny, including:
  • “Understanding China from an International Student’s Perspective” – an op-ed praising China’s development, urban architecture, and poverty alleviation programs.
     (Link)
  • “Victory against poverty, Congratulations China!” – a piece hailing China’s rural development and poverty eradication as “remarkable in human history.”
    (Link)

• “My China Surprise” – a China Daily video project showcasing Sunny’s travel impressions across various Chinese provinces. (Link)
• New China TV (Xinhua’s YouTube Channel) featured him in the video: “China’s Xinjiang in eyes of Bangladeshi expat”, in which Sunny praises Xinjiang’s diversity and lifestyle, contradicting widespread allegations of repression. (Video)

• CGTN (China Global Television Network) also promoted his journey, framing him as a sincere witness of China’s “real story.” He is quoted as saying:

“In Xinjiang, I witnessed how various ethnic cultures coexisted… In Fujian and Jiangxi, I saw China’s achievements in poverty alleviation… I hope to show the real China to the world.”

• His video on supporting Wuhan and China was shared by the official handle of the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh during Covid19 crisis.

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Think Tanks

Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies

1. A state-run policy think tank with a history of subtle, academic-style support for Chinese strategic initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Global Security Initiative (GSI).

 Journal Articles Supporting GSI & BRI: Example: Md Nahiyan Shajid Khan (Research Officer, BIISS) published in 2024:
“Bangladesh can access innovative solutions to address non-traditional security issues like food, cyber, and climate threats.”
— DOI link to article

2. Leadership-Level China Engagement:

• Frequent high-level meetings with Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen.

• These meetings are often publicized by the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka (on Twitter (x)), indicating strategic messaging coordination.

3. Influence of Former BIISS Chairman Munshi Faiz Ahmad:

• Former ambassador to China and head of the Association of Bangladesh-China Alumni.
• Praised China’s political system as more democratic than some democracies.

• Former BIISS Chairman Munshi Faiz Ahmad advocated for currency swap arrangements with China.
  ➤ Example: Article supporting China currency deal

4. Workshops & Seminars Endorsing BRI:

• Organized academic discussions like:
  • “Implication of the Belt and Road Initiative for Sustainable Development Goals” (2020) – BIISS Link
  • Country Lecture Series (May 2025): “Five Decades of Bangladesh-China Relations” – featuring Ambassador Yao Wen and Prof. Imtiaz Ahmed.

5. Official Visits to China:

• Director General Maj Gen Sheikh Pasha Habib Uddin attended the “China-Bangladesh Relations Seminar” at the China Institute of International Studies, Beijing (Sep 2023).
• Other participants: Ambassadors Farooq Sobhan, Humayun Kabir, Tariq Karim, and scholars like Shahab Enam Khan.

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Read about the Centre for East Asia Foundation (CEAF) in the complete report.

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BIPSS

1. Organizational Profile:

• BIPSS is a Dhaka-based independent think tank specializing in peace, security, and strategic studies.
• Led by Major General A N M Muniruzzaman (Retd), BIPSS is known for producing policy-relevant research and engaging in regional security dialogues.

2. Bangladesh Centre for China Studies (BCCS) – An Institutional Arm for China Engagement

• BIPSS launched the Bangladesh Centre for China Studies (BCCS) to analyze:
  • China’s foreign and security policy
  • Economic transformation and implications for South Asia
  • Bilateral development opportunities with Bangladesh
    
• Official Objective: “To partner with Think Tanks and universities in China as well as other institutes elsewhere focusing on China, and to act as a bridge between China and South Asia.”
• Leadership: The Centre is headed by Maj. Gen. Muniruzzaman (Retd), who has led multiple delegations and Track 1.5 dialogues with China.

3. Key Collaborations with China:

6th China–Bangladesh Cooperation Forum (2023)

• Held in Dhaka, co-hosted with the Yunnan Development Research Center (YDRC) of the People’s Government of Yunnan, China.
• Brought together Chinese government officials and Bangladeshi policy experts to discuss:
  • Bilateral economic initiatives
  • Regional connectivity
  • Security cooperation
     BIPSS Report

7th China–Bangladesh Cooperation Dialogue (Kunming)

• Hosted by YDRC in Kunming, China.
• BIPSS President led a four-member delegation.
• Themes included trade, green energy transition, and cross-border infrastructure.
• Ended with a joint declaration, reinforcing both sides’ policy coordination.
   Dialogue Summary

Visit of Think Tank Delegation to China

• BIPSS President Muniruzzaman led a Bangladeshi think tank delegation to China.
• The delegation visited major Chinese think tanks, universities, and policymakers.
   Official Report

Academic Exchange:

• A research delegation from the Institute of South Asian Studies, Sichuan University, visited BIPSS in Dhaka for strategic consultations and agenda-sharing.

4. Level of China Engagement vs. Other Countries

• While BIPSS also engages with Indian, American, and ASEAN think tanks, its collaboration with China is institutionalized and strategic in nature, as evidenced by:
  • A dedicated China Studies Centre (BCCS)
  • Annual Track 1.5 dialogues with Chinese government bodies
  • Repeated mutual academic delegations
  • Official joint statements and policy advocacy aligned with Beijing’s interests

5. Strategic Significance:

• BIPSS, via BCCS, functions as a policy influencer advocating deeper economic and political convergence with China.
• It has contributed to China’s soft power and narrative-building in Bangladesh, focusing on mutual development, BRI compatibility, and opposition to Western containment strategies.

Asian Regional Conference on Belt and Road Initiative: Prospects and Challenges

In September 2018, BIPSS organized a two-day international conference titled “Asian Regional Conference on Belt and Road Initiative: Prospects and Challenges.” The event brought together scholars, diplomats, and experts from countries including China, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Singapore, and Malaysia. The conference aimed to delve into the multifaceted aspects of the BRI, discussing its potential benefits and challenges for the region. Notably, the inaugural session featured addresses by the Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, H.E. Zhang Zuo, and BIPSS President Maj Gen Muniruzzaman (Retd). A delegation from the Yunnan Academy of Social Sciences also participated, underscoring the collaborative nature of the event.

At the opening of the conference, BIPSS President Major General A.N.M. Muniruzzaman (Retd.) emphasized the strategic importance of Bangladesh in the BRI. He stated:

“Bangladesh is an important member of BRI and has signed several contracts for infrastructure construction and economic cooperation totaling 40 billion US dollars during the visit of President Xi Jinping to Dhaka in October 2016. We are a key maritime nation along the Road and a strategic Indian Ocean country. Our geo-strategic location at the critical entry point of the Bay of Bengal gives us the opportunity to play a major role in this geo-economic and geo-connectivity vision of BRI… We have the opportunity not only to play a major role in BRI but also take its best benefits. It will all depend on how we shape our future.”

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Influence on Education

1. Confucius Institute, University of Dhaka (CI–DU)

• Established: October 14, 2016, as a joint initiative between Yunnan University and University of Dhaka, inaugurated by Xi Jinping and Sheikh Hasina (du.ac.bd).
• Mandate: Teach Mandarin, promote Chinese culture, and act as a bridge for people-to-people exchange and support BRI narratives .
• Programs & Activities:
  • Language classes and online instruction during COVID-19.
  • Alumni involvement in university-led art/photo exhibitions showcasing BRI impacts, e.g., hosted at Dhaka University with high-level participation (Dean of Fine Arts, Chinese ambassador) (du.ac.bd).
• Alumni Impact:
  • Graduates often become Mandarin-speaking professionals in international trade and diplomacy.
  • Institute includes alumni among speakers/organizers of BRI-aligned events (e.g., exhibitions with ambassador).

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2. Confucius Institute, North South University (CI–NSU)

• Founded: June 2, 2005—Bangladesh’s first Confucius Institute, partnered with Yunnan University (china.aiddata.org, cpd.org.bd).
• Key Offerings:
  • Mandarin language classes, local teacher training (23 trained), and creation of Bangla teaching materials (“Great Wall Chinese in Bangla”) (northsouth.edu).
  • Houses first official HSK test center in Bangladesh (northsouth.edu).
  • Cultural events like Dragon Boat Festival, China-South Asia seminars, and language competitions (northsouth.edu).
• Outreach & Alumni:
  • Collaborates with BCYSA (Bangladesh‑China Youth Student Association) to support scholarship searches and BRI training (en.wikipedia.org).
  • Faculty like Dr. S.M. Rubyat, with master’s degrees from Yunnan and a Ph.D. from Yunnan University, bridge academic exchange with China (northsouth.edu).
    

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3. Education-Driven Soft Power & BRI Promotion

1. CI as BRI Platform
   • At international CI conferences (e.g., Kunming, 2016), leaders highlighted CI–DU as catalysts for “economic collaboration among China, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and India” under the BRI (sandia.gov, chinadaily.com.cn).
2. Curriculum Integration
   • NSU’s Chinese faculty teach on topics like “Belt and Road Initiative and Bangladesh,” embedding BRI discourse in university-level instruction (northsouth.edu).
3. Cultural Diplomacy Events
   • CI–NSU hosted high-visibility events like Dragon Boat Festival (2025) (en.wikipedia.org).
   • CI–DU backed a “BRI photo exhibition” attended by Chinese Ambassador and academics, underscoring the alignment of culture, diplomacy, and infrastructure (bssnews.net).

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4.     Professional Networks:

• Through associations like BCYSA and ABCA, alumni network with Chinese agencies and participate in BRI-focused training and employment initiatives (en.wikipedia.org).
  
• The Bangladesh-China Youth Student Association (BCYSA):  Founded in 2016 in Beijing, serves as a key platform uniting Bangladeshi students and professionals living in China. More than a student group, BCYSA plays a pivotal role in China’s soft power strategy in South Asia by promoting Chinese culture, philosophy, and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) among young Bangladeshis. Through initiatives like the BCYSA Belt and Road Training Academy, online Bengali news portal, and biannual magazine Mahaprachir, the organization actively disseminates pro-China narratives while fostering academic and professional opportunities linked to Chinese institutions.
• BCYSA also assists Bangladeshis with scholarships, employment, and business in China, and recognizes pro-China contributors with its annual Community Awards. With its volunteer network and strategic programming, BCYSA is not just an educational body, but a soft power tool that reinforces China’s influence within Bangladesh’s emerging elite.
• The Association of Bangladesh China Alumni (ABCA): It is an active organization that brings together Bangladeshi professionals and scholars who have studied in China. Functioning as a crucial soft power vehicle, ABCA works closely with the Chinese Embassy and other institutions to promote Beijing’s narratives, political thought, and diplomatic goals within Bangladesh. Through high-profile events such as the “Readers’ Forum on Xi Jinping: The Governance of China”—hosted at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel—and cultural competitions tied to Chinese festivals, ABCA fosters ideological affinity toward the Chinese model of governance and development. The association also organizes webinars on topics like “Poverty Eradication: Experiences from Bangladesh and China” and “72nd Anniversary of the PRC,” reinforcing China’s developmental success stories. With key members from academia, media, and civil society—such as university professors and language instructors—ABCA serves as a strategic platform to integrate Chinese political thought, including CPC leadership, into Bangladeshi intellectual and cultural discourse.

The Confucius Institutes at Dhaka University and North South University, along with their demonstrable ties to Chinese institutions, serve as conduits of China’s soft power, strategically aligning Bangladeshi education with Beijing’s broader ambitions. Through language instruction, cultural diplomacy, scholarship pathways, and alumni networks, these institutes have woven the BRI narrative into academic and professional fabrics across Bangladesh—shaping how a new generation perceives China and its geopolitical influence.

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5. Intervention in Bangladeshi Education

In another recent development, China has formally objected to the depiction of Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin as Indian territories in two Bangladeshi school textbooks and an official map published by the Department of Survey of Bangladesh. According to a report (source), Chinese officials raised the issue through diplomatic channels, requesting corrections to reflect China’s territorial claims.

This incident reflects several key points:

• China’s assertiveness in influencing educational and governmental narratives in foreign countries, even on internal matters such as school curricula and official cartography.
• It underscores Beijing’s growing diplomatic confidence in South Asia, expecting neighboring countries like Bangladesh to conform to China’s geopolitical red lines, including its claims over Arunachal Pradesh (considered by India as part of its state) and Aksai Chin (currently under Chinese control but claimed by India).
• The request puts pressure on Bangladesh’s academic and political independence, essentially forcing Dhaka to navigate the sensitivities of two major powers—China and India—without provoking either.

This type of diplomatic pressure fits into a broader trend where China is not just promoting its image through media coverage and economic cooperation, but also actively reshaping how other countries perceive geopolitical realities, starting with young students.

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Case Study : Social Media influence

There are numerous social media handles, public groups, and Facebook pages in Bangladesh that actively promote pro-China narratives—ranging from soft cultural diplomacy to strategic messaging around China’s development and foreign policy. Many of these platforms operate under the guise of community engagement, alumni associations, educational collaboration, or news curation. What makes this network particularly significant is that several of these pages are followed and indirectly endorsed by the official Facebook handle of the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh, lending them added legitimacy and visibility.

These platforms often publish carefully crafted content that aligns with Beijing’s broader propaganda goals—highlighting China’s economic success, technological innovation, and partnership with Bangladesh—while avoiding overtly political tones. This creates an ecosystem of seemingly independent voices that collectively normalize and propagate China-friendly narratives across Bangladeshi social media. The embassy’s selective engagement with such pages reveals a strategic use of soft power, where influence is diffused across a wide network rather than centralized in a single source.

CRI Bangla (Facebook Handle: ChinaABC)

• Managed from: China and Bangladesh (as per Facebook page transparency)
• Affiliation: Part of China Radio International (CRI) – China’s state-controlled media network
• Stated Goal: “Our goal is to present the vast and diverse China to Bengali speakers.”

Follower Growth Analysis

• Total Followers: 11 Million+
• Unusual Surge in Followers (2022)

A sudden spike in follower count was observed within just a few months in 2022:

Month	New Followers
July 2022	314,700
August 2022	254,844
September 2022	358,739
October 2022	385,538
November 2022	180,825

These figures suggest an abnormal and inorganic growth pattern, possibly indicating the use of paid promotions or other unethical methods to inflate follower numbers.

The drastic slowdown in recent follower growth further supports the suspicion of artificial boosting during the earlier period.

Narrative Focus and Language Strategy

The CRI Bangla handle is heavily filled with state-curated “China Growth” stories, positive portrayals of Chinese development, foreign policy, and its global vision. The content consistently mirrors Beijing’s official worldview, carefully crafted to portray China as a benevolent global power.

All content is written entirely in Bangla, as the handle name suggests, making it highly accessible and culturally targeted. This language choice clearly aims to influence Bangladeshi public opinion and shape a pro-China narrative in the region through soft power and emotional resonance.

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Association of Bangladesh-China Alumni 

• Followers: 6.4K
• Admin Locations: Bangladesh, China

The Association of Bangladesh-China Alumni is one of the many low-engagement yet strategically curated Facebook pages that subtly promote pro-China narratives in Bangladesh. While the page does not overtly push political propaganda, its content largely consists of soft messaging—highlighting China’s cultural appeal, educational opportunities, development cooperation, and welfare activities related to alumni engagement.

Its posts typically fall into two categories:

1. Soft propaganda about China — such as positive stories about Chinese infrastructure, technological progress, or diplomatic gestures, all presented in a non-confrontational tone.
2. Community and welfare posts — focused on alumni networking, cultural exchange, and joint events between Bangladesh and China.

Though the page has a modest follower count and limited public interaction, its value lies in its subtlety and networked effect. When combined with dozens of similar pages operating under the radar, such platforms contribute cumulatively to a larger, layered information ecosystem. This coordinated messaging effort helps shape public perception gradually, reinforcing China’s soft power presence in Bangladesh without drawing overt scrutiny.

In addition to the official page, there exists a public Facebook group under the same name:
Association of Bangladesh-China Alumni – Public Group

Members: 3.1K

The ‘About Us’ of the Group reads, “ABCA is an alumni platform of Bangladeshi graduates from Chinese universities. Its aim to enhance and renew the lifelong China experience for all alumni and improve the friendly relation among people of two great friendly nations”.

This group functions in parallel to the main page and amplifies similar content through peer-to-peer interaction, member discussions, and reposting of curated narratives. Although the group also has a relatively small member base, its influence lies in its role within a broader network of low-engagement but high-volume content hubs.

Read about China-Bangladesh Media Friends Group, Association of Bangladeshi China Returned Students & Scholars (ABCRSS), China-Bangladesh Friendship Group and CMG Bangla (Facebook Page) in the complete report.

Bangladesh-China-Related Facebook Groups Promoting Soft Chinese Narratives

Group Name	Type	Members	Focus Area	Location	Link
Bangladeshi Chinese Speakers	Public Group	995	Chinese-speaking Bangladeshis, culture sharing	Global	Link
Chinese Speaking for Bangladeshi	Public Group	172	Chinese speakers from Bangladesh	—	Link
Chinese Language Interpreters in Bangladesh	Public Group	108	Language translation and interpretation	Bangladesh	Link
Bangladeshi Students Community in China	Public Group	92.5K	Student support, representation, soft power	Dhaka, Bangladesh	Link
Bangladeshi Student Community in China	Public Group	56.9K	Study info, scholarships, student guidance	Bangladesh, China	Link
Bangladeshi Student Study in China (Scholarship Info & Help)	Public Group	2.5K	Scholarship assistance and academic help	Barisal, Dhaka, Guizhou	Link
China Business Community in Bangladesh	Public Group	28.6K	E-commerce, wholesale, China-BD market growth	Bangladesh, China	Link
China-Bangladesh Business Group	Public Group	4.1K	SME trading, import-export	Bangladesh, China	Link
Bangladesh-China Friendship Club (BCFC)	Public Group	2.0K	Cultural, economic, trade ties	Bangladesh, China	Link
China-Bangladesh Buy/Sale Group	Public Group	1.4K	Consumer product sales, e-commerce	Uttara, Dhaka	Link
China to Bangladesh Shipping	Public Group	1.2K	Shipping & logistics between China and Bangladesh	Yiwu, Zhejiang, China	Link

These groups, though varying in size and purpose, form part of a decentralized but coordinated digital ecosystem. They cater to niche audiences—students, translators, traders, and Chinese speakers—yet collectively help embed favorable perceptions of China through community engagement, educational support, and cultural exchange. Many of them avoid overt political content, instead relying on soft, persuasive tactics to promote China’s image in Bangladesh.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the influence of Chinese propaganda in Bangladesh has grown significantly, permeating not only traditional media but also think tanks, educational institutions, and a network of social media influencers. These actors actively promote Beijing’s narratives with increasing intensity, capitalizing on the existing anti-India sentiment and the growing appeal of pro-China rhetoric among segments of the Bangladeshi population. This dynamic has been further amplified with the emergence of figures like CA Yunus, whose presence has coincided with a marked surge in anti-India content on social media and a parallel strengthening of pro-China messaging through institutional and academic channels. The reach and resonance of this propaganda network highlight China’s strategic soft power operations in Bangladesh, executed with precision and bolstered by a receptive local audience.