by Shafi Md Mostofa
Shafi Md Mostofa (PhD) is a theologian and security studies scholar with broad interests in political Islam, authoritarianism, modern South Asian history and politics, and international relations and the clash of civilizations. He is an Associate Professor of World Religions and Culture at Dhaka University’s Faculty of Arts and an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of New England, Australia. He is also serving as a senior fellow at the London School of Economics and Political Science, UK. He has published extensively with Routledge, Springer, Cambridge University Press, Oxford University Press, SAGE, Brill, Wiley and Blackwell; and the journals: Politics and Religion, Critical Studies on Religion, Critical Studies on Terrorism, Behavioural Sciences of Terrorism and Political Aggression, BMC Public Health, Review of Faith and International Affairs, Politics and Policy, Perspectives on Terrorism, Diaspora Studies, and Asian and African Studies. He is the author of “Islamist Militancy in Bangladesh: A Pyramid Root Cause Model” (Cham, Springer) and “Dynamics of Violent Extremism in South Asia: Nexus between State Fragility and Extremism” (Singapore, Palgrave Macmillan). He is also a guest editor of the Journal of World Affairs, SAGE.
Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League secured power in Bangladesh for the fourth consecutive term through an uncontested election on January 7th, 2024. When it comes to engagement with Bangaldesh, the United States’ commitment to democratic processes and its aspirations for immediate engagement with the government exhibits a gray area. In the intricate tapestry of global politics, the United States often finds itself in a precarious position as both an advocate for democracy and a pragmatist driven by its geopolitical interests. In few places is this as evident as in its engagement with Bangladesh, where a nuanced dance between democratic principles and strategic alliances unfolds.
Bangladesh, a nation teeming with cultural vibrancy and political dynamism, has emerged as a focal point for international scrutiny, particularly regarding the integrity of its democratic procedures. Recent elections, notably those held in 2014, 2018, and the most recent in 2024, have cast a shadow of doubt over the country’s democratic credentials. The United States, renowned for its vocal advocacy of democratic norms, has not hesitated to voice concerns and impose visa restrictions on individuals accused of undermining the democratic process in Bangladesh. Antony J Blinken, USA secretary of state declares that these individuals include “current and former Bangladeshi officials, members of pro-government and opposition political parties, and members of law enforcement, the judiciary, and security services”. The United States, through letters sent by US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu, also asked for a “dialogue without preconditions” among the Awami League, the BNP, and the Jatiya Party before the 2024 national election, while emphasizing the significance of “free, fair, impartial, and participatory elections“.
However, the imposition of visa restrictions by the United States reflects a firm stance against electoral irregularities and the imposition of constraints on political freedoms. However, while these actions may offer optimism to proponents of democratic reform in Bangladesh, they also highlight a significant inconsistency in US foreign policy by actively involving Bangladesh in advocating for a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
Historical Context and Perceptions
To understand the complexities of US engagement with Bangladesh, one must navigate the historical undercurrents that shape perceptions and attitudes of the masses about the US foreign policy. The legacy of past US foreign policies, including its support for Pakistan during Bangladesh’s struggle for independence in 1971, has left a lingering sense of skepticism and distrust among the Bangladeshi populace. Moreover, actions such as military interventions in the Middle East and unwavering support for Israel have further strained relations between the US government and the people of Bangladesh.
Against this backdrop, the US’s vocal criticism of electoral irregularities in Bangladesh is viewed through a lens colored by past grievances and suspicion. While the imposition of visa restrictions may be lauded by some as a tangible manifestation of US commitment to democratic principles, others perceive it as selective interventionism driven by strategic interests of countering China in the Indian ocean as the current government is tilting towards China rather than genuine concern for democratic reform.
Double Standards in US Policy
The 2024 Bangladesh election underscores the intricate and conflicting aspects of US policy in Bangladesh. Despite clear evidence of electoral malpractice and a lack of genuine competition, the US response has been characterized by a mixture of condemnation and cautious diplomacy.
The pre-election atmosphere, marred by violence, intimidation, and political maneuvering, laid bare the fundamental flaws in Bangladesh’s democratic process. The opposition’s call for the establishment of a neutral interim government to oversee the election was met with resistance from the ruling party, further exacerbating tensions and eroding confidence in the electoral process.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s announcement of visa restrictions on individuals deemed responsible for undermining democracy in Bangladesh initially invigorated hopes for meaningful change. However, the subsequent unfolding of events, including the government’s crackdown on opposition voices and the staging of a hollow election devoid of genuine competition, exposed the limitations of US influence in shaping Bangladesh’s democratic trajectory.
The perceived double standard in US policy towards Bangladesh is particularly evident in its willingness to engage with incumbent governments, even those facing allegations of democratic backsliding. While the US is quick to criticize electoral irregularities and political repression, its actions often fall short of meaningful intervention, raising questions about the sincerity of its commitment to democratic ideals. There has been a common perception that the US would swiftly implement declared visa policies, potentially precipitating a legitimacy crisis for the government; however, instead, they are actively engaging with the government to promote democracy, address democratic threats, and foster an open and free Indo-Pacific region.
Implications and Future Challenges
The US’s failure to uphold its professed values in Bangladesh risks alienating democratic activists and emboldening authoritarian regimes worldwide. As geopolitical rivalries intensify and strategic interests take precedence, the quest for democracy becomes increasingly precarious, with the aspirations of ordinary citizens often relegated to the sidelines.
Looking ahead, the challenges facing Bangladesh are manifold, with the specter of economic mismanagement, social unrest, and political repression looming large on the horizon. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has surpassed Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un in popularity and has become the longest-serving female head of government globally, albeit through three consecutive elections marred by rigging and unfairness. However, her tenure is marked by the marginalization of opposition voices, extrajudicial killings, human rights violations, and the erosion of democratic principles, posing a grave threat to the country’s stability by deepening divisions and suppressing dissent.
In this volatile landscape, the role of external actors, including the United States, remains pivotal in shaping Bangladesh’s democratic future. However, meaningful change can only emerge from within, driven by the collective will of the Bangladeshi people and a steadfast commitment to democratic principles.
As Bangladesh navigates its democratic journey, the specter of US double standards serves as a sobering reminder of the inherent tensions between geopolitics and democratic ideals. While the road ahead may be fraught with challenges, it is imperative that the United States and the international community at large remain steadfast in their support for democratic reform, lest they betray the very values they purport to uphold.
In collaboration with Rohit Sarma.
