The Matarbari Deep-Sea Port in Bangladesh is more than just a regional trade hub—it is a point of interest for multiple countries and their strategic interests. Given its significance in regional trade and logistics, various powers have shown interest in influencing the development, either directly or indirectly, through economic investments, political influence, or infrastructure projects.
1. Strategic Location in the Bay of Bengal
Proximity to Major Trade Routes: The Matarbari Port is located along key sea lanes in the Bay of Bengal, connecting to the Indian Ocean. This makes it vital for shipping traffic and trade routes.
Access to Landlocked Countries: Matarbari offers easier access to landlocked countries like Nepal and Bhutan by providing them an alternative port, thus strengthening Bangladesh's economic position in South Asia.
2. Japan’s Influence (Economic Diplomacy)
Japan's Investment & Support: Japan has invested in Matarbari Port’s development through JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency). This is part of Japan’s broader strategy to enhance its influence in Southeast Asia and South Asia.
Strategic Objective: Japan has a strong interest in ensuring the free flow of trade in the Indo-Pacific region. It views ports like Matarbari as critical to countering Chinese dominance in the region, particularly with China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Access to Resources & Trade Routes: Japan also seeks a secure route for its goods, especially energy imports, which rely on smooth operations in the Bay of Bengal and the Strait of Malacca.
3. China’s Geostrategic Interests
Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a flagship project for global infrastructure connectivity, has investments across South Asia, including in ports like Payra and Chattogram in Bangladesh. However, China is also a competitor in regional maritime influence.
Competition with Japan: As China increases its footprint in South Asia, Matarbari’s deep-sea capabilities could reduce China’s influence over other Bangladesh ports. This could indirectly limit the reach of Chinese goods and supplies through Bangladesh.
China-Bangladesh Relations: While China has been a strategic partner, it doesn’t have direct investments in Matarbari yet, but it keeps a close watch on these developments in order to safeguard its interests in the region.
4. India’s Concerns
Regional Rivalry: India, Bangladesh’s neighbor, is deeply invested in maintaining strong economic and political ties with Dhaka but has concerns over China’s growing influence in the region. India is wary of any developments that might tilt the region more toward Chinese economic and military power.
Connectivity & Trade Routes: Matarbari, with its strategic location, offers an alternative route to Indian ports. India has a vested interest in ensuring that no foreign country or power significantly outweighs India’s role in the region.
Political Balance: India may also exert subtle pressure on Bangladesh to align its strategic partnerships to maintain the political balance in the Bay of Bengal. This includes working with Bangladesh on shared security concerns, such as combating piracy or ensuring free maritime trade routes.
5. U.S. and Western Influence
Indo-Pacific Strategy: The United States, through its Indo-Pacific Strategy, is heavily invested in the economic growth of the Bay of Bengal and aims to foster closer relations with countries like Bangladesh. It sees ports like Matarbari as part of the broader “free and open Indo-Pacific” initiative.
Investment in Infrastructure: While the U.S. hasn’t heavily invested in Matarbari, there is a potential for future engagement in terms of trade agreements, infrastructure financing, and capacity building for port security and logistics.
Security Concerns: The U.S. is also concerned with China’s growing military influence in the Indian Ocean and sees Bangladesh as a key partner in ensuring regional stability.
6. Bangladesh’s Position
Strategic Autonomy: Bangladesh is focused on maintaining a neutral stance while maximizing economic and strategic gains. It is balancing its relations between major powers—like India, China, Japan, and the U.S.—to avoid being overly reliant on any one country.
Diversification of Trade: Matarbari port, which will handle large ships and increase Bangladesh’s cargo capacity, is critical for economic diversification. Bangladesh is investing in multiple ports to avoid over-dependence on any single port (such as Chattogram, which is already congested).
7. Regional and Global Implications
Access to the Indian Ocean: A deep-sea port like Matarbari improves Bangladesh’s maritime access to global shipping lanes, further increasing its geopolitical leverage in the region.
Potential for Naval Presence: Given its importance, Matarbari could also be an area of strategic military importance in the future, particularly as countries like China and India maintain naval assets in the Indian Ocean for trade and defense.
Conclusion: The Geopolitical Dance
The Matarbari Deep-Sea Port stands at the crossroads of geopolitical competition between major powers like India, China, and Japan, each with its interests in regional trade routes, security, and economic influence. Bangladesh, in its strategic calculations, has the opportunity to leverage these interests for its own development while maintaining a delicate balance to preserve its sovereignty and economic growth.
