"Calls grow for balancing BRI benefits with social, environmental, labour risks", The Business Standard, 20 November 2025

Chinese loans have supported major infrastructure projects such as the Padma Rail Link, Karnaphuli Tunnel, and several coal and thermal power plants, including Payra and Banshkhali [...].

However, civil society representatives, academics and researchers caution that these opportunities come with governance, environmental, and social risks.

They point to limited transparency in China-funded projects, gaps in environmental and labour safeguards, and inadequate engagement with affected communities. They urged policymakers to prioritise accountability, disclose project information, strengthen rights protections, and phase out fossil-fuel dependence in favour of a genuinely "green BRI".

[...] Chinese-funded megaprojects include the Padma Rail Link ($3.3b), Karnaphuli Tunnel ($1.2b), Payra ($1.9b), Banshkhali and Patuakhali coal plants ($1.8b each), and the Matarbari oil storage facility ($1b).

China's energy investments in Bangladesh total 5,610MW, of which 4,171MW come from coal. [...].

[...] gaps persist in labour standards, workplace safety, grievance mechanisms, and union rights.