Despite Russia’s overt support for the Awami League and its leader Sheikh Hasina, rooted in deep historical ties and a successful record of partnership, Moscow was forced to adjust its strategy in the wake of the political turmoil in Bangladesh in August 2024. As the crisis led to Hasina’s departure from Dhaka, Moscow reached out to the interim government’s Chief Adviser, Dr Muhammad Yunus, expressing hope for “constructive cooperation” and reaffirming its commitment to advancing major economic projects and providing essential goods. This ensured a smooth transition in Russia’s relations with Bangladesh. Notably, Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin was one of the few diplomatic representatives from South Asia, apart from India and Sri Lanka, to visit Kazan for the BRICS 2024 summit. As Bangladesh remains interested in joining BRICS, Moscow can play up this card depending on the trajectory of bilateral relations. For now, Russia is reiterating its support for a greater role for Bangladesh in the grouping in the event of its possible expansion.
Russia Retains its Ground in Bangladesh (Aleksei Zakharov, Observer Research Foundation)
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