U.S. Allies Express Alarm Over Bangladesh’s Autocratic Shift and Regional Stability Concerns
U.S. allies express concerns over Bangladesh’s direction towards autocracy, highlighting the resurgence of radical Islamic groups and the nation’s need for human rights compliance. The stability of South Asia is closely tied to India’s insights into the situation. Chief Adviser Md Yunus struggles with diminishing support and rising political pressures during a time of regional instability.
Recent concerns have been raised by senior officials from U.S. allies regarding Bangladesh’s trajectory towards autocracy. An anonymous official highlighted the worrying rise of radical Islamic organizations, including Hizb-ut-Tahrir, which had been banned in 2009 but recently staged a march in Dhaka. This situation is being closely monitored in light of India’s crucial role in maintaining stability in South Asia.
Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Md Yunus, aligned with U.S. Democrats, is experiencing challenges in garnering support, especially from the Trump administration. Although Yunus has engaged with prominent figures like Elon Musk regarding business opportunities, he has not succeeded in initiating dialogues with Trump or other senior officials. The U.S. State Department has reiterated calls for Bangladesh to respect human rights, intensifying concerns among U.S. allies.
The apprehensions stem from Bangladesh’s potential shift towards authoritarianism amidst existing instability in neighboring countries, Pakistan and Afghanistan. A senior official noted at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi that the Indian perspective is paramount in this context.
Bangladesh’s strategic location in the Bay of Bengal positions it as an essential player within the Indo-Pacific frameworks of the U.S., India, Japan, and Australia. However, following Sheikh Hasina’s removal, the country has faced significant issues, such as increased communal violence, political strife, extremism, inflation, and unemployment, attributed to the ineffective policies of Md Yunus.
Yunus’s once solid support base is diminishing, as opposition from mainstream parties, such as the BNP, grows stronger, urging him to initiate elections. Additionally, discord between the military and Yunus’s advisers has come to light, further complicating the political landscape. The decline of U.S. support has also become evident since the shift in administration back to Trump.
In summary, U.S. allies are increasingly alarmed by Bangladesh’s apparent drift towards autocracy, concerning the rise of radical organizations and human rights compliance. The involvement of Bangladesh in regional stability is emphasized, where India’s role becomes pivotal. Yunus’s governance faces challenges amidst deteriorating political, social, and economic conditions following Sheikh Hasina’s ousting, leading to declining support from both public figures and U.S. officials.
Original Source: www.news18.com
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