New Delhi: After the recent increase in tension between India and Pakistan, now worrying activity is coming from China. China is planning to help restart an airport in Bangladesh. This airport is in Lalmonirhat, which is just 12-15 kilometers from the Indian border. Some Chinese officials have recently visited this place. This airport is under the control of the Bangladesh Air Force, but is currently closed.
Bangladesh is seeking help from China to restart it. This airport is 135 kilometers from the Siliguri Corridor. The same, the Siliguri Corridor, also known as 'Chicken Neck'. This is a narrow corridor connecting the country to the northeastern states. However, it is not clear yet whether the airport will be used by the common people or the army. But, the presence of China near the India-Bangladesh border can create a situation of concern for the security of this corridor.
Why is this move of China worrisome?
This initiative of China is also worrisome because recently the interim leader of Bangladesh Mohammad Yunus had asked China to increase its economic activities in the northeast of India. This statement of Yunus has increased India's concern. This is also because China keeps claiming Arunachal Pradesh every day and also keeps changing the names of places there.
Opened for some time in 1958
Actually, Lalmonirhat Airport was built by the British in 1931. In the Second World War, it was an important airport for the Allied forces. From here they used to carry out their military operations in Southeast Asia. After partition, Pakistan opened it for civilian flights for some time in 1958. It has been closed since then. The airport is spread over 1,166 acres. It has a 4 km long runway, a large tarmac, a hangar and a taxiway. In 2019, Sheikh Hasina's government announced the construction of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Aviation and Aerospace University here. This aviation academy is run by the Bangladesh Air Force.
Yunus got $2.1 billion in China visit
In February 2025, Yunus' interim government proposed to restart 6 British-era airports including Lalmonirhat. This decision was taken to boost the country's economy. Apart from Lalmonirhat, there are plans to restart airports in Ishwardi (Pabna), Thakurgaon, Shamshernagar (Moulvibazar) and Bogra. It is not clear whether the Lalmonirhat airport project is part of the $2.1 billion in investments, loans and grants Dhaka received during Yunus' visit to China in March. China is particularly excited about Lalmonirhat airport because of its proximity to the Siliguri corridor.
