An Indication of the Growing Importance of Bangladesh to the United States

Is the importance of Bangladesh increasing to the United States regionally? Analysts believe that such indications were seen during US Deputy Secretary of State Stephen E. Beagan's visit to Bangladesh.

During his visit to Bangladesh, Beagan said that the United States wants a lasting solution to the Rohingya problem. He also said that his country will stand by Bangladesh in this issue. He added that Bangladesh will be the center for building the Indo-Pacific region.

In the past, US relations in the region have expanded around India So what is the new situation now that the Trump administration wants to give that importance to Bangladesh?

Dhaka University Professor of International Relations Imtiaz Ahmed thinks that there are several new reasons for the expansion of US relations centered on Bangladesh.

1. The domestic market of Bangladesh is expanding The economy is recovering in Corona too

2. India's bad relations with its neighbors

3. India's internal Hindutva crisis

4. China's investment and trade relations with Bangladesh

Professor Imtiaz said that relations with other countries in the region through India are old US foreign policy But before the election, Stephen E. Beagan's visit is important "Sri Lanka and Nepal's relations with India are deteriorating," he said. There is no talk with Pakistan So the United States may prefer to have direct contact with India in the region rather than through relations. "

Moreover, India is facing many problems due to the policy of Modi government Hindutva politics, in particular, has plunged India into an image crisis as well as its economy.

On the other hand, the internal market of Bangladesh is getting bigger, And in this corona, the economy of Bangladesh is in a strong position. Dr. Imtiaz thinks that the hint of growth is going to be hopeful. As a result, Bangladesh is becoming very important for trade and commerce.  

The professor of international relations thinks that China is also a 'big factor' behind Bangladesh becoming important to the United States. "China is one of Bangladesh's development partners," he said Chinese investment is increasing, trade with China is increasing. They may think that the China policy of the United States needs to bring back Bangladesh at least a little bit now.

However, in general, there is no major change in US policy Therefore, former ambassador Major General (retd) Shahidul Haque sees it as a change of focus rather than a change of policy. According to him, the United States is now giving importance to Bangladesh for economic reasons. He said, “A large middle class consumer group has been formed in Bangladesh. The market is also growing. "

He thinks that the US attitude towards the center of Bangladesh is not clear yet and it will take more time to understand.

On the other hand, Myanmar is getting seven submarines from India. Asked if it signaled a change in India's relationship with Bangladesh and India's position on the Rohingya issue, Professor Imtiaz Ahmed said, "If India wants to push Bangladesh out, it is up to them. But selling submarines to countries where genocide allegations against Myanmar are almost proven is unacceptable. It will be criticized India's position against genocide will be called into question. The question is, did India stand by Bangladesh for its own interests in 1971, or was it against genocide?

However, India may have a desire to weaken China's influence in Myanmar. And India has big business interests in Myanmar. But no matter how hard India tries, former ambassador to Myanmar Major General (retd) Shahidul Haque thinks it is not possible to reduce China's influence in Myanmar. He also served as Bangladesh's military attache in Myanmar "China's historical ties with Myanmar," he said.

However, he thinks that Bangladesh has nothing to worry about because that submarine is an old training submarine.

Both analysts believe that no matter how the United States moves towards Bangladesh, Bangladesh must act with its own interests in mind.

Source: BBC Bangla