Vantage | Why US shouldn't be lecturing Bangladesh on elections

The longstanding tension between Bangladesh and the US has recently escalated capturing the attention of the international community. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, at the centre of this dispute, has engaged in a war of words with US President Joe Biden. But how did things reach this stage and what lies ahead in this tumultuous relationship?

Protests and political standoff This weekend Bangladesh witnessed major protests as opposition parties took to the streets demanding Prime Minister Hasina’s resignation. They expressed a lack of trust in her leadership and called for a caretaker government to oversee elections next year. In response, the prime minister refused leading to a standoff. US involvement The United States, as it often does, weighed in on the situation. The US Ambassador in Dhaka met with the Chief Election Commissioner emphasizing the need for transparency in the upcoming polls and advocating for dialogue among all parties. This intervention did not sit well with the Bangladeshi government and Prime Minister Hasina responded during a press conference. During her press conference, Prime Minister Hasina compared the US Ambassador’s call for dialogue with the opposition to a hypothetical dialogue between President Biden and his rival, former President Donald Trump. She argued that Biden’s lectures on dialogue were hypocritical given the ongoing legal issues facing his political opponent. “Is US President Biden holding dialogue with Mr Trump? If Biden sits with Trump for dialogue, then I will hold the dialogue with opposition,” she said. The US State Department was asked to respond to Prime Minister Hasina’s statements further escalating tensions. Their response hinted at Washington’s expectations for a more democratic process in Bangladesh. Violence and opposition parties The so-called protests in Bangladesh have not been entirely peaceful. The opposition announced a three-day blockade and engaged in acts of violence including torching a bus. A police officer lost their life during these protests leading Prime Minister Hasina to argue that dialogue with such individuals was impossible. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party, the main opposition party in the country, is leading these protests alongside the Jamaat-e-Islami, a political party with radical elements, banned by the government. The US continues to call for Prime Minister Hasina to engage in dialogue with these opposition groups. US sanctions and Bangladesh’s resilience Despite sanctions imposed on Bangladesh’s paramilitary forces and visa denials for their leaders, Prime Minister Hasina has not yielded to US pressure further emphasizing the rift between the two nations. The escalating tensions between Bangladesh and US have broader implications. Bangladesh is the eighth most populous country globally, a growing economic power and a potential player in the Indo-Pacific region. The United States’ approach to this situation is essential as it could have far-reaching consequences for the region. India’s role and challenges India is caught in the middle of this dispute as it maintains strong ties with both US and Sheikh Hasina’s government. The G20 Summit in New Delhi showcased the unique relationship between President Biden and Prime Minister Hasina, but recent events have strained these connections. The standoff between Bangladesh and US highlights the need for clarity on the ground reality in Bangladesh including the nature of opposition parties and a long-term strategy for fostering democracy in the region. It’s not the first time Washington has attempted to influence a budding democracy in South Asia and the outcome of this situation remains uncertain. Given Bangladesh’s growing importance on the global stage, US must tread carefully to avoid further antagonising Dhaka and to maintain stability in the region. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.