Communist Party of China hosts Islamist parties from Bangladesh

New Delhi: Leaders of Islamist parties of Bangladesh are currently touring China on Beijing's invitation, in what experts say is part of a strategy of the Communist Party of China (CPC) to engage with the power centres in the South Asian country after the fall of the Hasina government.

The 14-member team is led by Jamaat-e-Islami's central leader Nayeb-e-Ameer and former Member of Parliament, Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher. The Jamaat-e-Islami, a radical outfit, is known for holding an anti-India stance.

China, while engaging with Awami League since 2009, has old ties with BNP and its allies, including Jamaat, during whose rule in the 1970s and again between 1991 and 1996 and 2001-06 won military contracts. Interestingly, Jamaat has never criticized China for its treatment of Uyghurs.


Last week, the Chinese ambassador to Bangladesh hosted a reception for the Islamist parties in Dhaka.

Chinese ambassador Yao Wen, speaking at the event, said, "Regardless of changes in domestic or regional circumstances, the China-Bangladesh relationship has remained steadfast, progressing steadily in the right direction."