Is Sheikh Hasina hinting at US role in 'Christian State like East Timor' plot using Bangladesh and Myanmar territory?

While the brutal murder of Bangladeshi MP Anwarul Azim Anar in Kolkata continues to dominate news coverage in both Bangladesh and India, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina made a startling revelation about a plot to establish a “Christian state like East Timor” using territory from Bangladesh and Myanmar. She did not disclose which country was behind this plan.

During a 14-party meeting at the Gono Bhaban on Thursday, Prime Minister Hasina spoke of a proposal from “a white man” to construct an airbase in Bangladesh for a specific “foreign country.” In exchange, she would receive guaranteed support for a seamless re-election in the 7 January polls, which she has already won.

According to The Daily Star, Prime Minister Hasina claimed that had she accepted this offer, her Awami League government would not have faced any difficulties. However, she pledged to prevent such a scenario from occurring.

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Furthermore, Prime Minister Hasina accused the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party of attempting to sabotage the election process.

Is Prime Minister Hasina referring to US?

It is widely recognised that Prime Minister Hasina’s relationship with the US has been strained even before the recent elections.

In November 2023, tensions between Bangladesh and the US intensified drawing international attention. Prime Minister Hasina and US President Joe Biden engaged in a public dispute after large-scale protests erupted in Bangladesh. Opposition parties demanded Hasina’s resignation and the establishment of a caretaker government to ensure fair elections in January. Hasina’s refusal to step down led to a standoff.

The US Ambassador in Dhaka subsequently met with Bangladesh’s Chief Election Commissioner stressing the importance of transparent elections and urging dialogue among all political parties. This intervention was met with resistance from the Bangladeshi government. In a press conference, Prime Minister Hasina likened the ambassador’s suggestion for dialogue with the opposition to a hypothetical scenario where President Biden would negotiate with his political adversary former president Donald Trump.

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Despite the US imposing sanctions on Bangladesh’s paramilitary forces and denying visas to their leaders, Hasina remained defiant highlighting the growing discord between the two nations. The US Treasury Department had sanctioned the Rapid Action Battalion and its former officials on 10 December, 2021.

Further straining relations, on 21 May of this year, the US State Department labelled former Bangladesh army chief General (Retd) Aziz Ahmed as “corrupt” due to his alleged involvement in corruption marking him as the first Bangladeshi national publicly designated as such by the US administration.

US presence in East Timor

The US maintains a significant presence in East Timor highlighting its commitment to the region.

In January 2022, US Air Force engineers collaborated with the Timor-Leste Defence Force on construction and repair projects, part of a joint effort to rehabilitate Baucau Airfield. This initiative began in June 2021 when the US pledged over $10 million for the project in partnership with the East Timor government.

A 2019 report from the Congressional Research Service pointed out that US relations with East Timor focus primarily on promoting stability and economic development. The country faces substantial needs in various areas including the development of democratic institutions, economic diversification and enhancing security capabilities.

Since East Timor gained independence in 2002, the US has provided $500 million in assistance. Multiple US agencies including the Departments of State, Defence and Justice, as well as USAID and the Peace Corps, are active in East Timor. US programmes in the country include training for ministry staff in finance, health, tourism and agriculture, along with International Military Education and Training courses for Timorese defence forces.

Additionally, the first bilateral military exercise between the US Army and East Timor’s military, named Dalan ba Dame 21, took place from 26 July to 6 August, 2021.

US unhappy with January polls in Bangladesh

In January, following the announcement of Bangladesh’s election results, the US voiced its disappointment questioning the legitimacy of Prime Minister Hasina’s extended rule and criticising the electoral process.

State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller stated from Washington that the US was troubled by the arrest of thousands of opposition members and reports of election day irregularities. “The United States shares the view with other observers that these elections were not free or fair, and we regret that not all parties participated,” Miller said, according to an AP report.

Miller also called on the Bangladeshi government to conduct a credible investigation into reports of violence and to hold those responsible accountable.

Despite these criticisms, the US emphasised its ongoing commitment to working with Bangladesh. The US remains dedicated to promoting a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific supporting human rights and civil society in Bangladesh and strengthening economic and cultural ties between the two nations.

Strategically, Bangladesh is a crucial partner for the US in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly alongside India, in the context of countering China’s growing influence in the region.