As India-Bangladesh relations worsen, Dhaka approaches China for medical needs
What's the story
The political turmoil in Dhaka since July 2024 has drastically changed Bangladesh's foreign relations, especially with India.
The flow of Bangladeshi patients in Kolkata hospitals has dropped by more than 80% since Sheikh Hasina was ousted, per reports.
Amid the turmoil, Bangladesh is turning to China for medical help and talks are underway to treat its citizens at three hospitals in Yunnan province.
Medical shift
Bangladesh eyes Chinese hospitals for citizen treatment
The three Chinese hospitals reportedly designated for Bangladeshi patients are The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, and Fuwai Yunnan Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences.
This change in medical preference comes as a blow to Kolkata and Tripura hospitals which used to treat around 10,000 Bangladeshi patients every month.
These Indian hospitals have reported an average revenue loss of about 10%-15% since the regime change.
Healthcare diplomacy
Bangladesh proposes friendship hospital, India reduces visa slots
Apart from seeking treatment in China, Bangladesh has also proposed setting up a Bangladesh-China friendship hospital in Dhaka. This proposal is under review by Beijing.
The pivot to Chinese medical aid comes amid complaints that India was rejecting medical visas for Bangladeshi patients.
The Indian visa center in Bangladesh has drastically cut down daily online visa slots from over 7,000 to about 500 since July, affecting urgent medical and student visas for Bangladeshi nationals.
Political accusations
Deposed PM Hasina accuses interim government of lawlessness
The relation between the two nations worsened following the fall of Hasina, who has sought refuge in India.
Hasina resigned after weeks-long student-led protests that killed nearly 300 people.
On Monday, she accused the interim government chief Muhammad Yunus of causing "lawlessness" and "unleashing terrorists" on the people of Bangladesh.
She accuses Yunus of dissolving inquiry committees and allowing violence against Awami League supporters and minorities.
The United Nations human rights office reported the unrest resulted in approximately 1,400 deaths.
Extradition efforts
Interim government seeks Hasina's extradition from India
Yunus's interim government is now looking to extradite Hasina from India for trial.
His press secretary said those involved in alleged crimes during Hasina's tenure must face justice.
"This is the government's top priority. We will continue our efforts to extradite Hasina to hold her trial in person," said press secretary, Shafiqul Alam on Tuesday.
Bangladesh's Foreign Office sent a diplomatic note to India seeking Hasina's repatriation, which New Delhi acknowledged receipt of without further comment.