In a bid to avoid sending a geopolitical signal favouring either Beijing or New Delhi, Dhaka could drop China for Malaysia as the destination for PM Tarique Rahman ’s first overseas visit after assuming office, said sources in Bangladesh’s foreign ministry.
“A number of dates are under discussion. It is likely that PM will visit Malaysia from June 21-22 before he travels to Beijing,” an official said, stressing his schedule is yet to be confirmed as “June 18 is also being considered”. Earlier, Tarique was expected to travel to Beijing from June 20-26, despite a pending invitation from PM Narendra Modi and Bhutan initially being chosen as the destination of his first foreign tour.
