Foreign meddling in Bangladesh politics

The moment Bangladesh is acting on an announcement from Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) about the schedule of ensuing national parliamentary election, the political showground is brainstorming in a letter from Donald Lu, The US assistant secretary of state for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs. The letter issued to three major parties of Bangladesh--Awami League, BNP and Jatiya Party called for a dialogue among the parties without any condition. It is mentioned in the letter that the US expects a free, fair, neutral and inclusive election in Bangladesh.

One may ask the valid question that why a free, fair and parliamentary should be a demand from outside when this should be a choice of Bangladesh itself. We know it well that a fair election is very essential initial step for establishing democracy here to ensure people's rule in all spheres of the society.

As we see, the foreign diplomats here in Dhaka, appear to have become more active with 12th parliamentary election just two moths away. Worried over recent political violence and impasse ahead of the next election, foreign diplomats in Dhaka are approaching the government, ruling Awami League and opposition parties urging them to find solution as BNP has successfully raised the issue at the regular US government briefing in Washington.

While the US had already announced visa restrictions related to election irregularities, the European Union has expressed concerns over the violent developments going over here. China, Japan, Russia and South Korea are more concerned about the investments here, while India, the biggest regional player does not want any instability in Bangladesh because of its security concerns.

Before the birth of Bangladesh’s independence in 1971, America has maintained continuous presence in the country’s political affairs. Throughout the history of Bangladesh, the US policies here have revolved around engagement and time and again moved definitely towards containment approach.

Diplomatic meddling is not new in Bangladesh. But the diplomatic corps in Dhaka, especially the US Ambassador’s role, his movement from one party to another now gives an impression that he is in a relentless struggle not as a diplomat, but as a political broker to bring a diplomatic solution to local political disputes.

In present times, the United States and Bangladesh are seemingly facing a diplomatic crisis. The recent strain was strengthened after Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina, her cabinet and party colleagues publicly called out the American involvement in the politics of Bangladesh. It is perceived that Bangladesh’s increasing tilt towards the eastern blocs – China and Russia – have already given birth to a thorny relationship. Even India is taking a closer look into the activities of China in Bangladesh.

There have been quite a few visits from countries that are deemed to have interests in Bangladesh politics. It is particularly aimed at the coming national election. US and EU top officials visited Bangladesh for talks with government officials, civil society members and senior journalists. The Indian foreign secretary, Chinese foreign minister also visited Bangladesh. Russian foreign ministry made open remarks on Bangladesh politics that was never seen before.

Amidst these flurries of visits and remarks India and the US on November 10 discussed the political developments in Bangladesh ahead of the upcoming national polls at a high-level meeting in New Delhi. Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra while briefing media said, ‘We shared our perspectives very clearly on Bangladesh. We shared very clearly how we look at situations in different parts of the world, including Bangladesh, with the US side during the discussions’.

But what it meant for Bangladesh? Kolkata-based daily Telegraph headlined that the Sheikh Hasina government has heaved a sigh of relief following the statement. Indian foreign secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra’s comment about non-interference in Bangladesh’s democratic process, means they may not like others’ interference in this process. This is the explanation from the AwaMi league side.

An element of violence-free elections, recommending a dialogue is the latest stand of America. It is now perceived that the US will extend support to continue the present government if the coming election is held free, fair and participatory even without a non-partisan caretaker government as demanded by BNP. So, everything depends not only on Bangladesh's elections, but also on governance, human rights and many other issues in the days to come. 

Author: CEO, Global Television