Bangladesh has emerged as a miracle for economic growth in the last decade, thanks to its prudent developmental planning, sustainable growth model, sensible foreign policy, and engagement with developmental partners. The United States has maintained diplomatic relations since Bangladesh’s independence in 1971 and has been a trusted developmental partner. Over the years, the two countries have engaged in various areas of cooperation, including trade, security, development assistance, and cultural exchanges.
The United States is one of Bangladesh’s largest trading partners. The bilateral trade volume has been growing steadily, with the US being a significant market for Bangladeshi apparel and textile exports. Both countries have worked to enhance trade relations and promote investment opportunities. The two countries have collaborated on security issues, particularly in combating terrorism and ensuring regional stability. They have exchanged intelligence, conducted joint military exercises, and cooperated on maritime security. The US has provided training and equipment to enhance Bangladesh’s counterterrorism capabilities.
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Despite this long-term relationship, an unease between both parties is visible in recent times since His Excellency Peter Haas was appointed as the United States Ambassador to Bangladesh. On one side, we can see positive steps towards the growth of the bilateral cooperation between the US Department of States and Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In the other, the US Embassy in Dhaka is interfering in national politics which if dug deep can only be tagged as biased. The tinges of the relationship are becoming evident as the US is taking some unilateral steps which is unexpected from a long-term partnership. The convolution of US geopolitics with its wrongful presumption that Bangladesh is sliding closer to the rising Chinese block and its previous record of enforcing regime change is making the entire relationship clouded with mistrust which might eventually affect both countries’ long-term interest.
PRESENT CHALLENGES AFFECTING BANGLADESH
Bangladesh reached an unprecedented GDP growth rate of 7.9% in 2019, maintaining an astonishing 6% growth rate since 2011. The upward curve of all developmental indexes was only halted when the world was hit by Covid-19 pandemic The government is taking proactive measures to address these issues, such as providing stimulus packages, investing in renewable energy, increasing food production, improving living conditions for refugees, and implementing climate change adaptation measures. International cooperation is crucial for sustainable development.
Present Crises Affecting Bangladesh and Government’s Initiatives to address them
1. ECONOMIC CRUNCH AFTER COVID
Government’s Initiative:
- Stimulus packages for affected industries and businesses
- Financial assistance from global organizations like the World Bank and IMF
- Diversifying export markets and exploring new trade opportunities
2. ENERGY CRISIS
Government’s Initiative:
- Investing in renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydroelectric power)
- Enhancing energy efficiency
- Improving transmission infrastructure
3. FOOD SECURITY CHALLENGES
Government’s Initiative:
- Increasing domestic food production through agricultural research, innovation
- Supporting farmers with subsidies
- Improving irrigation and water management systems
4. ROHINGYA CRISIS
Government’s Initiative:
- Improving living conditions in refugee camps
- Establishing healthcare facilities and educational centers
- Engaging in diplomatic negotiations for a sustainable solution
- Bi-lateral negotiations for repatriation of Rohingyas with the mediation of China
5. CLIMATE CHANGE AND NATURAL DISASTERS
Government’s Initiative:
- Building cyclone shelters and embankments to protect vulnerable coastal areas
- Investing in climate-resilient infrastructure
- Promoting sustainable practices and raising awareness about climate change
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PETER HAAS AS AMBASSADOR TO BANGLADESH
His Excellency Peter Haas was nominated by President Joe Biden on July 9, 2021, to serve as the United States Ambassador to Bangladesh. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee conducted hearings on his nomination on October 20, 2021, and on November 3, 2021, the committee reported his nomination favorably. Subsequently, on December 18, 2021, Haas was confirmed by the United States Senate through a voice vote. He presented his credentials to the President of Bangladesh, Abdul Hamid, on March 15, 2022.
Peter Haas began his career in the United States Foreign Service and was initially assigned as an economic officer at the U.S. embassy in Morocco. He later served as a desk officer at the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office for a year and worked as an economic officer at the Embassy of the United States in London. From 2011 to 2014, Haas served as the consul general of the United States in Mumbai. In the subsequent years, Haas held positions at the United States mission to the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development). He served as acting permanent representative in 2017 and 2018. Haas then relocated to Washington, D.C., where he assumed various roles, including acting deputy assistant secretary of state for trade policy and negotiations, deputy assistant secretary for trade policy and negotiations, and acting assistant secretary of state for economic and business affairs.
Since his arrival, Peter Haas has been facing a lot of criticism from Bangladesh’s political and intellectual community for apparent negative biases towards the present government and the ruling party. Some of his controversial initiatives have been seen as getting cozy with the opposition parties’ agendas and the opposition parties have used those initiatives as propaganda tools for regime change.
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Many politicians have dubbed some of his steps as a violation of diplomatic norms subjected to interference in domestic politics. Peter Haas’ role as the chief US diplomat in Bangladesh is his highest career posting to date. If we observe his career trajectory, he has been largely experienced with trade negotiations.
Whether it is his lack of political and diplomatic inexperience or he is intentionally fulfilling a larger agenda of US foreign policy that can be debated. But it is evidently clear that his many steps are putting the governments at odds with each other.
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CONTROVERSIAL STEPS
MAYER KANNA VS MAYER DAAK
Mayer Kanna (Mother’s Cry) and Mayer Daak (Mother’s Call), are two activist groups calling for claims of justice for family members. Mayer Kanna is an organization of family members of the victims who received the death penalty during an uprising in 1977 against then-President Ziaur Rahman. The tragic event of 1977 is a documented mass execution where defendants were not given the right to defend themselves and many of the dead bodies were not returned to their families. On the other hand, Mayer Daak is a controversial organization that alleges that its family members were forcibly abducted by law enforcement agencies, though the government has refuted many of these claims. It is organized by the sister of BNP leader Sajedul Islam Sumon who had alleged terrorist ties.
Ambassador Haas has gone to meet with Mayer Daak members and US Embassy has held official talks with them. But there was an incident when Mayer Kanna members approached to provide Ambassador Haas with a manuscript of their urge, it was rejected. Many critics have pointed out the hypocritical approach of rejecting one human rights violation plea while taking another one with a political overtone.
BIAS IN SOCIAL MEDIA ACTIVITY
US Embassy in Dhaka has a vibrant social media presence through its Facebook page. But a gross predisposition can be found with the circulation of its contents which can cause awkwardness for Bangladesh. A disparity in paid engagement and the reach of posts between those that portray Bangladesh in a negative manner and those which are generic or positive can be found. The opposition parties and anti-government activists are using these activities to create a propaganda mechanism to unstable the situation in Bangladesh.
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A NEW VISA POLICY
In a recent announcement, United States (US) Secretary of State Antony J Blinken unveiled a new visa policy purportedly aimed at promoting democratic elections in Bangladesh. The policy targets individuals believed to be responsible for undermining the democratic election process. This move has generated significant debate regarding its necessity and potential impact on the country’s political landscape. To shed light on the matter, an interview was conducted recently with the US assistant secretary of State, Donald Lu, to clarify the objectives and implications of this diplomatic action.
WHAT IS IN THE NEW VISA POLICY?
The U.S. Department of State released a short press release providing a short briefing about the said policy given below.
![US Visa Policy letter for Bangladesh](https://pressxpress.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/US-VISA-POLICY-for-bangladesh-U.S.-Department-of-State-released-a-short-press-release.jpg)
Press Xpress went deep to find the articles mentioned in the briefings, which says: Section 212 3(c)
(C) FOREIGN POLICY.—
(i) IN GENERAL.—An alien whose entry or proposed activities in the United States the Secretary of State has reasonable ground to believe would have potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the United States is inadmissible.
(ii) EXCEPTION FOR OFFICIALS.—An alien who is an official of a foreign government or a purported government, or who is a candidate for election to a foreign government office during the period immediately preceding the election for that office, shall not be excludable or subject to restrictions or conditions on entry into the United States under clause (i) solely because of the alien’s past, current, or expected beliefs, statements, or associations, if such beliefs, statements, or associations would be lawful within the United States.
(iii) EXCEPTION FOR OTHER ALIENS.—An alien, not described in clause (ii), shall not be excludable or subject to restrictions or conditions on entry into the United States under clause (i) because of the alien’s past, current, or expected beliefs, statements, or associations, if such beliefs, statements, or associations would be lawful within the United States, unless the Secretary of State personally determines that the alien’s admission would compromise a compelling United States foreign policy interest.
(iv) NOTIFICATION OF DETERMINATIONS.—If a determination is made under clause (iii) with respect to an alien, the Secretary of State must notify on a timely basis the chairmen of the Committees on the Judiciary and Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives and of the Committees on the Judiciary and Foreign Relations of the Senate of the identity of the alien and the reasons for the determination.
The announcement of the new visa policy by US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken, aimed at promoting democratic elections, has raised a wave of debate and concerns among various interest groups. The policy, officially titled “to promote democratic elections in Bangladesh,” has left many questioning its necessity and implications. US Assistant Secretary Donald Lu emphasised that the new visa policy is not favouring any particular political party or group. It applies equally to members of the government and the opposition. The policy explicitly targets individuals who have been involved in actions such as violence to undermine elections or voter intimidation. Lu also highlighted that the policy is not retaliation for any decision made by the government of Bangladesh.
POLICY LABELED AS A VEILED SANCTION DESPITE OFFICIAL DENIAL |
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Despite the official denial that the new visa policy is not a sanction, it has been widely perceived as such by the media and the public. The policy, targeting individuals believed to be responsible for undermining the democratic election process, has been met with scepticism and raised concerns about the potential impact on bilateral relations between the two countries. Doubts have been raised about the feasibility of effectively identifying undemocratic actors in a country as populous as Bangladesh. With a population of over 160 million, it poses a significant challenge to accurately assess the involvement of individuals in actions that undermine the democratic process. Critics argue that the sheer magnitude of the task may result in errors and potential misjudgements, leading to the inclusion or exclusion of individuals based on incomplete or faulty information. |
ALLEGATIONS OF POLITICAL BIAS AND SELECTIVE TARGETING |
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While Assistant Secretary Donald Lu stated that the policy is not biased towards any particular political party or group, doubts persist regarding its impartiality. Critics argue that the policy could be selectively enforced against certain individuals or groups, raising concerns about its potential misuse as a tool to advance US interests or exert pressure on the government. Furthermore, there are lingering concerns about how the policy will be implemented on the ground. |
LACK OF TRANSPARENCY & POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES FOR INNOCENTS |
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One of the key criticisms of the visa policy is the lack of transparency in identifying the individuals whose visas may be affected. While the US government has stated that it will not publish a list of revoked or blocked visas, this lack of transparency raises concerns about the policy’s potential for innocent individuals to be mistakenly targeted or adversely affected. Moreover, the process by which individuals will be assessed and deemed responsible for undermining democratic elections remains unclear. The lack of transparency surrounding the visa policy raises questions about the criteria and evidence that will be used to make such determinations. Concerns have been voiced regarding the potential for subjective judgments and selective enforcement, further fuelling doubts about the policy’s impartiality and credibility. |
PUBLIC SENTIMENT REVEALS MIXED REACTIONS AND CONCERNS |
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Public sentiment regarding the visa policy is divided. While some view it as a necessary measure to address election interference and promote democratic values, others express concerns about its potential repercussions and the potential negative impacts on innocent individuals. The lack of clarity and transparency surrounding the policy’s implementation has further fuelled apprehensions among the public. |
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POSSIBLE HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATION
United States Secretary of States Anthony Blinken announced the new visa policy by tweeting. There is a major dissimilarity between the tweet and the press release provided by the U.S. Department of State. Secretary Blinken’s tweet mentioned, “Today, I announced a new visa policy to promote free and fair elections. Under this policy, we can impose visa restrictions on individuals and their immediate family members if they are responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh.” While initially it created a lot of confusion but it was later cleared by Assistant Secretary Donald Lu’s interview and FAQs provided by US Embassy in Dhaka’s website.
The inclusion of family members in the policy has also opened possibilities of human rights violations.
A family member in most cases in most legal cases should not be prejudged for implications to perpetrators. The vagueness of the policy leaves a lot of prospected scenarios where heartwrenching human rights violations might happen as below:
- A student getting his visa rejected despite having the merit
- A student receiving higher education in the US gets his visa revoked in the middle of his education
- A new recruit not receiving a job visa or losing his job visa
- A patient needed of urgent medical treatment not receiving a visa
BACKLASH ON TWITTER FROM THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY
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HARBOURING BANGABANDHU KILLER AND PROPAGANDISTS: DOESN’T IT CONTRADICT US FOREIGN POLICY?
The US has provided political asylum to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family’s (which included a 10-year-old Sheikh Russel) killer Rashed Chowdhury. He was sentenced to death by the Bangladesh High Court, along with eleven other individuals, for his alleged involvement in the assassination. The trial took place in absentia, and on November 19, 2009, the Bangladesh Supreme Court upheld the High Court’s decision.
The conviction was primarily based on the confessions of a co-defendant, who claimed that Chowdhury played a role in the attack and killing of Abdur Rab Serniabat. Rashed Chowdhury is not just a murderer but was one of the prime instigators of a bloody military coup.
Thus, the rational question arises what should be the stance of the new visa policy regarding Rashed Chowdhury who clearly was a disruptive force in the democratic process?
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The United States itself alleged its democracy suffered from foreign intervention from Russia through social media manipulation. The same problem is the biggest threat Bangladesh’s democracy is facing at the moment. But unfortunately, some propagandists are using US soil in the name of free speech spreading misinformation and propaganda.
Names such as Kanak Sarwar and Elias Hossain, who were charged with spreading misinformation in Bangladesh, fled to the USA in the guise of asylum.
At present, they are spreading dangerous conspiracy theories, anti-Hindu or minority sentiment, and bloodthirsty rhetoric which is in reality the biggest threat to any democratic process in the present era of social media domination.
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SHORT-SIGHTEDNESS OF BIDEN ADMINISTRATION’S FOREIGN POLICY WITH GEOPOLITICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The many questionable unilateral steps taken by the current Joe Biden administration in the United States’ foreign policy have raised questions about their efficacy and strategic foresight. Observers are left pondering whether these actions reflect a lack of diplomatic astuteness on the part of Ambassador Peter Hass or if they are indicative of a larger policy agenda aimed at regime change. In her 2018 book titled “Covert Regime Change: America’s Secret Cold War,” Lindsey O’Rourke, an expert in international relations theory and US foreign policy at Boston College, argues that the US has conducted numerous operations to undermine foreign governments. These “regime change” practices have often led to unfavourable outcomes, as witnessed in countries like Korea, Vietnam, Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Syria, Libya, and more. Critics contend that historical evidence supports the claim that US interventions often disrupt the democratic processes of targeted nations, inadvertently empowering extremist factions.
An illustration of Biden administration’s short-sightedness can be seen in Ambassador Peter Haas’ three-day visit to the Chittagong Hill Tracts area last December, which is an unusual duration for a foreign diplomat. Since the visit, terrorist activities by the separatist Kuki-Chin group have escalated, leading to a devastating loss of lives. While it is plausible that this increase in violence is coincidental, it is worth considering the historical allegations of destabilization and their potential connection to such developments. Further adding to concerns is the involvement of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), an American NGO that has faced allegations of executing regime change tactics abroad. NED’s funding of propaganda machines like Netra News raises eyebrows and invites critical examination. It is thus crucial to assess the implications of such involvement and the impact it may have on the credibility of US foreign policy.
The present government, keeping in mind its many errors, has kept a secular democratic process alive. It has successfully eradicated terrorist activities and kept the region from growing into a hub of terrorism which it was headed toward in the 2000s. Nevertheless, the controversial visa policy adopted by the Biden administration carries broader implications for US-Bangladesh relations and regional dynamics.
This policy signals an increasing US scrutiny of Bangladesh’s growing significance in the Indo-Pacific region. It is evident that the US has failed to fully comprehend the country’s geopolitical significance, treating it merely as a vessel state influenced by regional powers like India, Pakistan, or a part of the Islamic world. This oversight is indicative of a lack of tailored foreign policy towards country of 160 million people. Critics warn that this diplomatic pressure could strain relations, hamper cooperation on trade, security, and regional stability. The Biden administration should reassess its unilateral confrontational steps if it is worried about Bangladesh’s perceived alignment with China. In contrast, the previous Trump administration prioritized non-interference, respecting nations’ sovereignty. However, the current administration’s lack of restraint raises concerns about its commitment to autonomy and potential tensions in international relations.
Amid evolving global dynamics, the Biden administration must reassess its foreign policy, considering the long-term implications and geopolitical significance of nations like Bangladesh, as strengthening nuanced diplomatic relations is crucial for fostering stability and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. In the evolving multipolar world, US geopolitical dominance has been surpassed in the last decade. The information era, while enlightening, has also facilitated mass manipulation and posed threats to global democracy. The government’s commitment to fair elections in Bangladesh is evident through the invitation of election observers in bilateral talks. If the US genuinely aims to advance democracy, it should engage in dialogue, provide technological expertise, and offer training. Unilateral actions in diplomacy only lead to confrontation. Ultimately, it is the people of Bangladesh who should decide their leadership, free from influence by lobbyists in Washington or the Pentagon.
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