Bangladesh is reconsidering its earlier Look East Policy as China has proposed a new transport corridor linking Kunming in Yunnan province to Chattogram through Myanmar. The proposal emerged during Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit to Beijing, where China suggested establishing road and rail connectivity via Lashio, Mandalay, and Sittwe. The corridor would give China direct access to the Bay of Bengal and potentially transform Bangladesh into a key regional trade hub.

The Look East Policy was first adopted in 2002 by Bangladesh’s four-party coalition government to reduce dependence on India and strengthen ties with ASEAN and East Asian economies. However, the initiative stalled after Myanmar withdrew under Indian pressure. The new Chinese proposal revives that vision but faces strong geopolitical resistance from both India and the United States, who view deeper Bangladesh-China cooperation as a strategic threat.

If implemented, the corridor could reshape South and Southeast Asian geopolitics, enhance Bangladesh’s connectivity, and reduce Indian dominance. However, the article cautions that Bangladesh must safeguard its sovereignty, economic independence, and security while engaging with China and managing regional rivalries.