Bangladesh Polls: US-China Rivalry Intensifies Over Alleged Interference

• Bangladesh's 2026 general elections have become a geopolitical battleground between the US and China.
• The new US Ambassador to Bangladesh warned against foreign "malign influence," drawing a strong rebuttal from Beijing.
• Washington views its involvement as promoting democratic processes and countering China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) influence.
• Beijing dismisses US allegations as baseless, asserting its interactions with Dhaka are based on mutual cooperation and respect for sovereignty.
• Bangladesh faces the challenge of navigating great-power competition while maintaining political autonomy and development priorities.

Why It Matters: Bangladesh's upcoming elections are a flashpoint in the escalating US-China geopolitical rivalry.