US Pressure on Bangladesh Is Mainly Geopolitical

 

The sanctions slapped by the USon Bangladesh’s elite paramilitary force RAB citing alleged human rights violations, the imposition of visa restrictions on Bangladeshi citizens, and someforeign missions’ overreaction to some not-so-important internal affairs of Bangladesh sparked controversy and raised questions about the motives behind such actions. Considering the broader context of human rights abuses in the world, US allegations of human rights violations against Bangladesh have also brought into question the justifiability of the Biden administration's foreign policy approach.

It is important to acknowledge that human rights violations are a grave concern that should be addressed by all nations. However, it is equally important to scrutinize the basis and consistency of actions taken against human rights abuses across the globe. While the United States has imposed sanctions on Bangladesh, other countries in the region, such as Pakistan and Myanmar, face similar accusations but do not receive equal reactions from the US. This raises questions about the neutrality and fairness of the Biden administration's foreign policy agenda, which has been criticized for its perceived hegemonic tendencies and exertion of control and influence over other comparatively weak countries. This also raises questions as to whether the US government's approachaligns with principles of respect for sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations and therefore is justifiable.

Bangladesh, a sovereign nation with its own democratic institutions, has been proactive in addressing human rights issues. As a responsible member of the global community, the country has made notable progress in improving its human rights record over the years.In addition, Bangladesh maintains its independent foreign policy and has the right to make decisions that best serve its national interests. The imposition of sanctions without prior consultation or engagement with the Bangladeshi government undermines the principle of mutual respect and collaboration between nations.

It is worth mentioning that accusations of human rights violations exist in various countries worldwide, including the United States itself. According to reports of the Western media like The Guardian and BBC, there are cases of gross human rights violations in the US.The official statistics of the United Nations Trust Facility Supporting Cooperation on Arms Regulation, report a gloomy picture of perennial human rights problems in the USwhich include gun violence, mass shooting and police brutality. Besides, there is a shocking amount of racism in American society and owing to systemic racism and white supremacy, police brutality has become a terrible thing to happen to black people. The brutal murder ofthe Black man, George Floyd in broad daylight by white police officer best testifies to it. Police brutality is still rampant in the USA.According to a report entitled “No progress since George Floyd: US police killing three people a day” published in The Guardian on March 30, 2022, US police have killed “roughly 1,100 people each year since 2013. In 2021, officers killed 1,136 people – one of the deadliest years on record.So, by imposing sanctions on Bangladesh while downplaying similar issues in their own country and other nations, the US risks undermining its credibility as a global champion of human rights.

The US bans on Bangladesh are more for geopolitical reasons than anything else. The US allegations and sanctions came at a time when Bangladesh had chosen not to join theQuadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD), a military alliance led by the United States.Bangladesh's abstention from joining the US-led military pact, seems to have fueled resentment in Biden administration, which gives a broad hint that the sanctions may be politically motivated. Speculation has emerged that the US may be using the sanctions as a means to pressure Bangladesh into aligning its interests with those of the US in the South Asian region. As a matter of fact, after Bangladesh has asserted its authority in the new global geopolitical order and started perusing a neutral foreign policy by striking a balance between the key players of geopolitics in the Indo-Pacific region, US-Bangladesh relations have been under strain. The United States under Joe Biden’s leadership perhaps does not want Bangladesh to enjoy wide latitude to make its own geopolitical decisions. It is an acknowledged fact that USA has been taking an interest in the Indo-Pacific region for quite a long time. So, Bangladesh’s refraining from joining the US-led allianceQUAD which includes India, Japan and Australia seems to have upset the US apple cart. The growing strategic partnership between USA and India in pursuance of America’s Indo-Pacific policy aimed at thwarting China’s indomitable economic growth is a vexing problem for Bangladesh. The Indo-US liaison wants Bangladesh to side with them in their battle for supremacy in the region while China, the largest development partner of Bangladesh, may be, quite deservedly, looking forward to its support. So, Bangladesh is having to watch its steps with all countries vying for primacy in the region and tilt the balance only in favour of its own geopolitical interest. The USA sure does not like it, and therefore might have made the blatant attempt to buy Bangladesh’s loyalty.

The use of aggressive measures like sanctions should be reconsidered in favor of alternative means of engagement. Bangladesh, while striving to improve bilateral relations, must assert its sovereignty and respond to allegations in a transparent manner. Through dialogue and understanding, both countries can work towards a more fruitful relationship based on mutual respect and cooperation. Bangladesh, as a sovereign nation, deserves to be treated with respect and fairness. In addressing issues with Bangladesh, the United States should explore alternative means of engagement rather than resorting to aggressive measures like sanctions and visa restrictions. Such actions, driven by political muscle, can be seen as a form of interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign nation. It is essential for the US to address human rights abuses consistently, without bias or geopolitical considerations, and consider dialogue, diplomacy, and cooperation as more constructive approaches to address concerns and promote human rights.

While Bangladesh should aim to improve bilateral relations with the United States, it is equally important to safeguard its hard-earned sovereignty. The government should provide reasonable answers to allegations brought against it, ensuring transparency and accountability. At the same time, Bangladesh must assert its right to maintain its independence and autonomy in decision-making processes that align with its national interests.Building a stronger relationship between Bangladesh and the US requires open and honest dialogue. Both countries should seek to understand each other's perspectives, address concerns, and work collaboratively towards shared goals. By fostering mutual respect and understanding, it is possible to overcome challenges and forge a more productive and constructive relationship.


Dr. Rashid Askari is a freethinking writer, academic, translator and former vice chancellor, Islamic University, Bangladesh.