DHAKA ¨C The United States is concerned about China¡¯s expanding presence in South Asia and is planning to offer Bangladesh¡¯s next government U.S. and allied defense systems as alternatives to Chinese hardware, Washington¡¯s ambassador to Dhaka said.
Bangladesh votes in a general election on Thursday after ?a Gen Z-led uprising toppled India-allied premier Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. She has since taken refuge in New ?Delhi, allowing China ?to deepen its influence in Bangladesh as India¡¯s presence wanes.
China recently signed a defense agreement ?with Bangladesh to build a drone factory near the India border, worrying foreign diplomats. Bangladesh is also in talks with Pakistan to buy JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, a multirole combat aircraft jointly developed with China.
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