An article published on InfoBRICS discusses the United States’ alleged interference in Bangladesh’s upcoming elections and its implicit backing of the Islamist opposition coalition led by the Pakistan-friendly Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The article, titled “US Strains Ties with India by Interfering in Bangladesh’s Elections,” is written by Ahmed Adel, a Cairo-based geopolitics and political economy researcher.
The article highlights concerns from both India and Russia regarding the US involvement in Bangladesh’s internal affairs. India’s Foreign Ministry, recognizing Bangladesh as a “close friend and partner,” has stated its support for Dhaka’s vision of a “stable, peaceful and progressive nation.” The Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi, emphasized that the election in Bangladesh, scheduled for January 7, 2024, is a domestic matter.
The US has been accused of not pushing for greater democratization in Bangladesh. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced a new visa regime in May targeting individuals suspected of “undermining the democratic election process” in Bangladesh. This policy was welcomed by the opposition BNP, but Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina viewed it as “interference” in the elections.
The article also quotes Muhammad Zamir, chair of the International Affairs Sub-committee of the Awami League and a former foreign secretary, who agreed with Russia’s warning that the US could provoke “Arab Spring”-like protests in Bangladesh following the elections. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed concerns about a direct link between political provocations by the Bangladeshi opposition and the activities of the American Ambassador to Dhaka, Peter Haas.
The article on InfoBRICS portrays Bangladesh as being under pressure from the US due to its balanced foreign policy approach. The Awami League government, led by Hasina, has been advancing ties with Moscow, which is seen unfavorably by Washington. The article mentions that sanctions imposed on Russia harm third countries and are an ineffective foreign policy tool, as stated by Tarique Ahmed Siddique, the Defence and National Security adviser to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
In September, Sergey Lavrov became the first foreign minister from Moscow to visit Dhaka since Bangladesh gained independence in 1971, signifying a strengthening of Dhaka-Moscow ties. The article suggests that Washington wants to prevent this relationship from developing further.
The article concludes by highlighting Bangladesh’s independent foreign policy stance, as evidenced by its non-committal approach to joining the Quad grouping and maintaining relations with Moscow without sidelining India.
InfoBRICS portrays Bangladesh as a nation striving for an independent foreign policy amidst external pressures, particularly from the US, which is seen as interfering in its internal affairs and elections. The article suggests that this interference is contrary to the interests of India, a close ally of Bangladesh, and could potentially destabilize the region.
The historical context of the United States’ position during the Liberation War of Bangladesh and its subsequent role in the nation’s recovery is a complex and multifaceted issue. It is important to note that initially, the United States was not in favor of Bangladesh’s liberation. However, the stance of the US shifted significantly following the conclusion of the war.
On December 22, 2023, the US Embassy in Dhaka brought attention to this change in a post on its official Twitter account. The embassy highlighted that “within six months of the Liberation War, the United States provided $216 million in assistance to Bangladesh for its reconstruction.” This substantial contribution underscores a notable shift in the US’s approach towards Bangladesh immediately following the war.
#DidYouKnow — within six months of the Liberation War, the United States provided $216 million in assistance to Bangladesh for its reconstruction?
By 1973, the U.S. became the largest foreign contributor to Bangladesh's recovery. It underscores the significance of the U.S.…
— U.S. Embassy Dhaka (@usembassydhaka) December 21, 2023
Further emphasizing this point, the embassy stated, “By 1973, the U.S. became the largest foreign contributor to Bangladesh’s recovery.” This fact is particularly significant as it reflects a major transformation in the US’s foreign policy and its commitment to Bangladesh in the aftermath of the war. The embassy’s statement, “It underscores the significance of the U.S. commitment to aid partners after challenging times,” is indicative of the US’s efforts to rebuild its relationship with Bangladesh and support the newly independent nation in its recovery and development.
This historical perspective provides a nuanced understanding of the evolving relationship between Bangladesh and the United States. While the initial stance of the US during the Liberation War was against Bangladesh’s independence, the subsequent actions taken by the US in supporting Bangladesh’s reconstruction efforts demonstrate a shift towards a more supportive and collaborative relationship.
