Washington Post report: India lobbied US to reduce pressure on Hasina
Indian officials lobbied U.S. officials to end pressure on Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at least a year before she was ousted in student protests. This is what the influential American media Washington Post said about the American and Indian officials.
According to reports, US diplomats publicly criticized Sheikh Hasina for jailing thousands of opposition activists and critics before the election last January. The Biden administration imposed sanctions on a Bangladesh police unit accused of extrajudicial killings and disappearances.
Not only that, US officials threatened to impose visa restrictions on those in Bangladesh who undermine democracy or violate human rights.
In such a situation, the Indian officials held one-on-one meetings with the US officials. They wanted the United States to tone down its pro-democracy stance on Bangladesh.
In this regard, Indian officials argued that if the opposition is allowed to gain power through a free and open election, the rise of Islamist groups in Bangladesh will pose a threat to India’s national security.
An adviser to the Indian government who attended the meeting with US officials spoke to The Washington Post on condition of anonymity.
The adviser of the meeting with the US officials said, ‘You are proceeding with democracy in mind. But for us the issues are much more serious and questions of existence.’
The adviser also said, ‘We have had many conversations with US officials where we have said that this is a matter of major concern for us. You cannot consider us as a strategic partner until we reach a consensus on a strategic issue.’
Ultimately, the Biden administration softened the tone of criticism of Sheikh Hasina and suspended threats of further sanctions against her government.
This position of Washington disappoints many people in Bangladesh. US officials, however, say it was a constructive decision that had little to do with Indian pressure.
Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has taken refuge in India after resigning in the face of mass protests. Hasina was forced to flee to India when protesters defied the army’s curfew and started marching towards her official residence.
This raises questions about the policy makers of both New Delhi and Washington, whether they have ‘handled’ the situation in Bangladesh wrongly or not. A US official said on condition of anonymity, “We always have to maintain a balanced position with Bangladesh.” Because there are many places where the situation is complicated. There we may have to work with partners in ways that are not consistent with the expectations of the American people.’
The US government was divided over how to handle Bangladesh before last January’s election. Some in the US State Department, including former US ambassador to Dhaka Peter Haas and other embassy officials, argued for a tougher stance against Sheikh Hasina.
Especially since President Joe Biden spoke of a foreign policy emphasis on restoring democracy at home. Other US officials felt that putting more pressure on Sheikh Hasina would not achieve much. In addition, US diplomats, including Haas, may face security risks. Those who had previously received threats from Sheikh Hasina’s activists and supporters.
In such a situation, some White House officials also considered the downside of opposing India. India’s Foreign Minister S Jaishankar and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh appealed for easing of pressure on Hasina when they met US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken.
The issue was even discussed during US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s visit to New Delhi last November. India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval also played an important role in presenting the Indian perspective on Bangladesh during his visit to Washington.
