China Eyes Waste-to-Energy Investment in Bangladesh as Energy Cooperation Expands
China and Bangladesh are discussing a much wider package of cooperation covering Dhaka's sewage and waste systems, renewable energy and housing, ports, and the Teesta project. The discussions took place when Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen met LGRD Minister Abdul Moyeen Khan at the Secretariat today.
In a Nutshell:
- Yao Wen and Abdul Moyeen Khan discussed expanding Chinese cooperation in water supply, sewage disposal, waste management, renewable energy and urban development in Bangladesh.
- Bangladesh is seeking Chinese financing to expand the pipeline network around the Dasherkandi Sewage Treatment Plant to serve more parts of Dhaka.
- China has agreed to a Tk 10,000 crore housing project for Korail, Sat Tala and Bhashantek, with rent-free flats planned in 20-storey buildings for existing slum residents.
- China is assessing the feasibility of the Teesta project, while cooperation is also advancing on the Mongla Port and the Chinese Special Economic Zone in Chattogram.
- Chinese company CMEC is developing the Aminbazar waste-to-energy project, with electricity expected to be fed into the national grid in August or September 2028.
- The talks also covered rooftop solar, a possible waste-to-energy project at Dhaka South's landfill, Mandarin education and Chinese support for skills training.
Context
The meeting comes after Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's recent visit to China, which Ambassador Yao described as a new opportunity to expand cooperation across sectors. China is already involved in Bangladesh's urban infrastructure, including the Dasherkandi Sewage Treatment Plant, which was built with a concessional loan from the Chinese government. Bangladesh is now seeking more Chinese financing to build the sewer connections needed to take that plant's service beyond its existing coverage. The cooperation is also moving beyond Dhaka. China has begun work on the Mongla Port project and the Chattogram Special Economic Zone following PM Tareque’s visit, while both sides are currently assessing the feasibility of the Teesta project. On energy, Beijing has offered support for solar and other renewable projects as Bangladesh looks to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. It has also offered experts for skills training and support for Mandarin education.
Why it matters
The meeting today shows a broader engagement between the two countries as China is increasingly becoming involved in various sectors of Bangladesh's development agenda all at the same time. Some of these projects address problems that Dhaka already struggles with, especially sewage disposal, waste management and reliable energy, while port and Teesta projects have wider implications for infrastructure and connectivity. Chinese financing and technical support could help Bangladesh move forward with projects that require large amounts of capital, but the government will need to track whether these commitments translate from discussions and agreements into completed infrastructure.
What we think
The country has plenty of project announcements and too few systems that work end-to-end. A treatment plant is not useful if the sewer lines do not reach the people. Ports, housing, solar and waste-to-energy schemes will face the same test. China can finance the concrete and machinery. Bangladesh must ensure that planning, transparency, local capacity and public benefit are not left behind.