In Bangladesh, it has been realized that the country has fallen into a debt trap created by Chinese borrowings. This acknowledgment came from a high-ranking financial official, but specific steps to change the situation are still lacking. Details can be found in an article from the Asian News Post.
Debt Trap: Official Acknowledgment
Bangladesh has officially recognized that it has found itself in a debt trap, and this is not just the opinion of external analysts, but a conclusion made at the level of the authorities. The chairman of the National Revenue Board, M. Abdur Rahman Khan, stated that such a situation is not unexpected. The country is following the path of its South Asian neighbors, such as Sri Lanka, by entering into the Chinese initiative "One Belt, One Road" (BRI) and facing its negative consequences.
Currently, servicing external debt has become the second largest item in Bangladesh's state expenditures. According to data, the ratio of public debt to GDP has risen to over 39%, while in 2017-2018 this figure was about 34%. "We are already in a debt trap," noted the head of the tax authority at a recent seminar. "Ignoring this reality is impossible."
The Problem is Acknowledged, but No Solutions
Despite detailed reports on the critical situation in public financing, high-profile economists and officials effectively admit their inability to find a way out of the current crisis.
Economist Mustafizur Rahman sadly pointed out that previously agriculture and education occupied the second place in budget expenditures after the wage fund, but this has now changed. Financial Secretary M. Khairuzzaman Mojumdar added that this year's budget is smaller than the budget of the previous year for the first time, stating: "A thin person was asked to lose even more weight."
Worrying Figures from the World Bank
The scale of the problem is confirmed by the World Bank's International Debt Report for 2025. Over the past five years, Bangladesh's external debt has increased by 42%. By the end of 2024, the total volume of external borrowings will reach $105 billion, compared to $26 billion in 2010.
Currently, external debt amounts to 192% of the country's export earnings, and servicing payments have risen to 16% of total exports, creating increasing pressure on the budget and balance of payments.
A Scenario Repeating the Sri Lankan Model
Given Bangladesh's growing dependence on Chinese loans, it is not surprising that the country is beginning to resemble Sri Lanka in the early 2020s. After non-targeted borrowings from China, Colombo faced a sovereign default in 2022, leading to an economic crisis.
In contrast to Bangladesh, Pakistan chose a different path, requesting $7 billion from the IMF to service its debts to China, having about $30 billion in debt under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
Chinese Loans: Increasing Bangladesh's Obligations
Over more than ten years of participation in BRI projects, Bangladesh expects to receive about $40 billion from China, of which $14 billion is intended for joint projects. In 2022, the country's debt to China was about $4 billion, and then-Finance Minister Mustafa Kamal expressed concern about the risks associated with Chinese lending, pointing to weak borrowing practices and the threat of excessive debt burden.
However, over the next three years, Bangladesh's external debt to China increased to $7 billion, which only intensified economic vulnerability.
From Hasina's Caution to Closer Ties with the Interim Government
Bangladesh officially joined the "One Belt, One Road" initiative in 2016 during the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Dhaka. At that time, the Awami League party was in power, and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was cautious about the terms of Chinese loans, rejecting Beijing's claim that the $3.6 billion bridge over the Padma River is a BRI project, emphasizing that it was financed from Bangladesh's own resources.
The situation changed with the arrival of the interim government led by Mohammed Yunus, who took the position of chief advisor. His first official foreign visit in March 2025 was to China, resulting in Bangladesh receiving $1.2 billion in investments and grants. The total volume of Chinese investments in the country's economy for 2024-2025 exceeded $42 billion. At a meeting with Xi Jinping, Yunus suggested that Chinese companies relocate some of their production to Bangladesh.
China Expands Political Contacts
Beijing is not limiting its cooperation only to the interim government, recognizing its temporary nature. China is actively establishing contacts with various political forces in Bangladesh, including the Jamaat-e-Islami party, which is a fundamentalist and pro-Pakistani organization and has never criticized Beijing for its policies against the Uyghurs.
In December 2024, leaders of Islamic political movements in Bangladesh, led by the deputy amir of Jamaat, Said Abdullah Muhammad Taher, visited China at the invitation of the Communist Party of China. In September 2024, Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen visited the Jamaat office in Dhaka, becoming the first foreign diplomat to visit this organization since 2010. In July 2025, the Chinese embassy held a reception for leaders of Islamic parties, and in September, a delegation from the Chinese Institute of International Relations met with the leadership of Jamaat-e-Islami.
Geopolitics Under the Guise of Infrastructure Projects
The Chinese BRI initiative is increasingly being used to strengthen its strategic positions in participating countries. It is not surprising that Islamic organizations in Bangladesh have begun to actively advocate for increased Chinese investments. On October 19 of this year, the student wing of Jamaat - Islami Chhatra Shibir - held a mass rally at Chittagong University, demanding that the interim government accept China's proposal for comprehensive management and restoration of the Teesta River.
The Teesta project is located in northern Bangladesh near the strategically important Siliguri Corridor in northeastern India. China is interested in strengthening its influence in this area as part of a long-term strategy to access the Bay of Bengal. In this context, Beijing offered Dhaka a loan of $336 million for the development of the Mongla port. There are suggestions that the Chittagong port could become a key element of China's "string of pearls" in the Indian Ocean.
As noted in an article from the International Journal of Applied Research and Sustainable Sciences, prepared by researchers from Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, "Chinese investments have accelerated infrastructure development, but at the same time increased Bangladesh's debt burden and dependence on China."
The strategic placement of these investments indicates possible geopolitical motives behind Chinese financing.
The Price Dhaka Pays
Thus, Bangladesh continues to pay the price for accepting Chinese loans, facing rising debt, strategic vulnerability, and limitations on its ability to make independent choices. However, despite the experiences of its neighbors and its own alarming indicators, Dhaka seems reluctant to learn lessons from what is happening.
According to the publication, this conclusion was based on an assessment by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), which could not find evidence of an attack on Putin's residence. On December...
- According to an analysis by the EDB analysts, there have been changes in the structure of Chinese investments in the Eurasian region (2025). In the context of Chinese foreign direct investments...
Today, December 24, the women's volleyball team of Kyrgyzstan will play an important match that will determine their advancement to the final of the Central Asian Volleyball Association (CAVA)...
As of October 1, 2025, Kazakhstan's external debt amounted to 171.4 billion dollars, which is 6.7 billion dollars more compared to the beginning of the year. According to the National...
In Kyrgyzstan, there are currently 815 thousand pensioners registered. This was reported by Bakhtiyar Aliyev, the chairman of the Social Fund, at a meeting of the Jogorku Kenesh on December 25....
Khaleda Zia, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and leader of the "Bangladesh Nationalist Party," passed away at the age of 80. This was reported by the Dhaka Tribune, citing an...
According to analysts from the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB), the structure of Chinese investments in the Eurasian region is undergoing significant changes, which will be relevant in 2025. Several...
The President of the Russian Wrestling Federation, Mikhail Mamiashvili, commented on the situation with Russian wrestlers who have decided to represent other countries. This statement came after it...
In 2025, Kyrgyzstan demonstrated outstanding results in the field of public-private partnerships (PPP), with a record volume of attracted investments and the signing of key agreements in areas such...
At the 24th International Film Festival, which will take place from January 10 to 18, 2026, in Dhaka (Bangladesh), works by Kyrgyz filmmakers will be presented. This information was published on the...
In the Issyk-Kul region, a suspect was detained for attempting to forcibly seize a foreign citizen. This became known from a report by the local internal affairs department. The incident attracted...
Athletes from Kyrgyzstan achieved significant success at the international volleyball tournament that concluded the day before in the Maldives. Three representatives from our country were included in...
At the IV People's Kurultai, President Sadyr Japarov commented on the proposal by delegate Estebes Mamatov to shorten the duration of schooling to 11 years. The delegate pointed out the problem...
The Kyrgyz women's volleyball team is participating in an international tournament in the Maldives. Currently, the Central Asian Volleyball Association (CAVA) Cup is taking place in the capital...
According to the report by the Eurasian Development Bank, by 2025, the total volume of Chinese investments in Kyrgyzstan will reach $2.1 billion. The document also highlights significant Chinese...
At the People's Kurultai, the President of Kyrgyzstan, Sadyr Japarov, announced that the country intends to complete payments on its external debt by 2035. He also outlined forecasts for state...
The economic year is coming to an end, and for Kyrgyzstan, it has turned out to be quite successful: the country's GDP demonstrated the highest growth rate in the Eurasian region. Expectations...
Starting January 1, 2026, a new Reporting System for Crypto Assets (CARF) will come into effect, fundamentally changing tax transparency in 48 countries around the world. At the same time, important...
According to information provided by RIA Novosti, the use of national currencies in bilateral trade between Russia and Turkey may help address issues related to bank transfers. However, this will...
As the New Year approaches, it's time to take stock. Our team Kaktus.media visited the New Year fair and learned about the joyful events that took place in the lives of Kyrgyzstani people over...
Kamchybek Tashiev, Deputy Chairman of the Government and Head of the State Committee for National Security, expressed his opinion on the murder of a woman by her ex-husband, who previously worked in...
In 2025, Kyrgyzstan found itself at a crossroads, facing stark contrasts in its economy. On one hand, the country demonstrated double-digit growth in gross domestic product (GDP) and active...
During the IV People's Kurultai, the President of Kyrgyzstan, Sadyr Japarov, shared with the delegates plans to reduce the external state debt. According to the president, the country's...
Sellers from Kyrgyzstan on the Wildberries platform find themselves in a difficult situation due to sudden changes in working with the Russian market. In the fall, deliveries of goods virtually...
From December 19 to 25, the CAVA Cup took place in the capital of the Maldives, Male, where the women's national team of Kyrgyzstan emerged victorious. In the decisive match, our athletes...
According to sources from the Wall Street Journal, the U.S. military operation in Venezuela continues to evolve, and the country's authorities confirm its active conduct. The White House is...
Economist Arsen Imankulov provided an analysis of the economic results of 2025 for 24.kg, highlighting both positive aspects and potential risks. He noted that the current achievements could serve...
Edmundo Gonzalez, a representative of the Venezuelan opposition, has declared himself the president of the country and called on the armed forces to recognize him as the commander-in-chief. This...
Over the past week, significant personnel changes have occurred in the Kyrgyz Republic. Temirbek Erkinov has been appointed as the Deputy Minister of Health. He replaces Nurgul Adnaeva, who held the...
Temirbek Erkinov has been appointed as the Deputy Minister of Health. This information was confirmed by Kaktus.media in the government. His responsibilities will include coordinating digitalization...
Russia's special representative for Afghanistan, Zamir Kabulov, noted that a massive influx of labor migrants from Afghanistan is impossible due to the risks associated with the potential...
- Experts have identified four sectors that could attract Chinese investors in the Eurasian region, according to the EDB report (2025). EDB analysts have outlined several promising areas for Chinese...
On the evening of January 4, Kaja Kallas, representing the European Union, called for respect for the sovereignty of Venezuela and expressed support for a peaceful transition to democracy after the...
In Kyrgyzstan, an interdepartmental commission has been established to improve air quality. This was announced at a briefing by Nursultan Tashybek uulu, head of the atmospheric air protection...
Photo Adhadhu Sports. Kyrgyzstan national volleyball team The women's volleyball team of Kyrgyzstan participated in an international tournament held in the Maldives. This was reported by the...
Recent changes in the regulations concerning the activities of the state enterprise "Issyk-Kul" have been approved by the Cabinet of Ministers. This company is now the sole managing...
- On December 15, 2025, the Cabinet of Ministers signed Resolution No. 810, which approved changes to the republican budget for 2025, as well as plans for 2026 and 2027. These changes will be...
- Previously, a large portion of the state budget was allocated to salary payments, which practically excluded the possibility of investing in development. Currently, 35% of the budget will be...
According to forecasts, in the coming year, Kyrgyzstan's economy will take leading positions in its region, demonstrating GDP growth of 9.3 percent. This analysis was presented by the Eurasian...
At the international tournament of the Central Asian Volleyball Association (CAVA) Cup, held in the capital of the Maldives, Male, the women's team of Kyrgyzstan managed to reach the final....
In Arkansas, one resident has become the owner of an impressive sum of $1.817 billion after winning the lottery. This win ranks as the second largest in the history of the United States, according...
During the session of the Bishkek City Council on December 23, deputy Kazybek Ergeshov, representing the "Yntymak" party, expressed serious concerns about the situation at the municipal...
- In response to a question from a delegate from Bishkek, the president noted that the situation with Jerooy is fundamentally different from Kumtor, and here’s why. According to Japarov, the return...
The Ministry of Education of Kyrgyzstan has announced a new initiative aimed at supporting school graduates. As part of the international educational project In Vision U, which is being implemented...
Today, January 6, at the largest bazaar in Tehran, traders closed their shops as part of a nationwide strike, chanting slogans of "Freedom." Protests in Iran, which have been ongoing for...
The tragedy occurred at the Le Constellation bar, located in the popular Swiss resort town of Crans-Montana, claiming the lives of 40 people and leaving around 100 injured, according to the New York...
In his speech, Trump emphasized: “We are there — and we will stay until a real transfer of power occurs. We will effectively manage the processes.” The president also noted that the American...
In a secret report presented to U.S. President Donald Trump, the CIA claims that high-profile supporters of Nicolás Maduro, including Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, are best positioned to ensure...
