What is the growing importance of Bangladesh to the United States at the regional level? Analysts believe that such signs were seen during the visit of US Under Secretary of State Stephen E. Beagan to Bangladesh.
During his visit to Bangladesh, Bigan said the United States wants a lasting solution to the Rohingya problem. He also said that his country will support Bangladesh in this matter. He added that Bangladesh will be the center for the construction of 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?
Professor of International Relations at the University of Dhaka. Imtiaz Ahmed believes that there are several new reasons for the expansion of US relations focused on Bangladesh.
1. Bangladesh’s domestic market is expanding The economy is also recovering in Corona
2. India’s bad relations with its neighbors
3. The internal crisis of Hindutva in India
4. China’s investment and trade relations with Bangladesh
Professor Imtiaz said that relations with other countries in the region through India is an old US foreign policy. But before the elections, Stephen E. Beagan’s visit is important “Relations between India, Sri Lanka and Nepal are getting worse,” he said. Pakistan is not spoken to. Therefore, the United States may prefer to have direct contact with India in the region than with India. “
Furthermore, India faces many problems due to the policies of the Modi government. Hindutva politics, in particular, have plunged India into an image crisis, as well as its economy.
On the other hand, the domestic market of Bangladesh is enlarging And in this crown, the economy of Bangladesh is in a strong position Dr. thinks that the sign of growth will be hopeful. Imtiaz 6 As a result, Bangladesh is becoming very important for trade and commerce.
The international relations professor thinks that China is also an “important factor” in Bangladesh becoming important to the United States. He said: “China is one of Bangladesh’s development partners. Chinese investment is increasing, trade with China is increasing. You may think that US Chinese policy needs to bring Bangladesh back at least a little bit now.
However, overall, there are no major changes in American policy. Thus, former divisional ambassador general (retired) Shahidul Haque sees it as a shift in focus rather than a change in policy. According to him, the United States is now giving importance to Bangladesh for economic reasons. He said: “A large group of middle class consumers has formed in Bangladesh. The market is growing.”
He thinks that the attitude of the United States towards central Bangladesh is not yet clear He thinks it will take longer to understand
On the other hand, Myanmar receives 7 submarines from India. When asked if it marks a change in India’s relationship with Bangladesh and India’s position on the Rohingya issue, Professor Imtiaz Ahmed said: “If India wants to expel to Bangladesh, it is up to them. But selling submarines to a country where the allegations of genocide against Myanmar are almost proven is unacceptable. Will be criticized India’s position against genocide will be questioned The question is: Did India support Bangladesh for its own interests? in 1971 or was he 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, it is not possible to reduce China’s influence in Myanmar, says former divisional (retired) ambassador general Shahidul Haque. He also served as Bangladesh’s military attaché in Myanmar. “China’s historical ties with Myanmar,” he said.
However, he thinks that Bangladesh has nothing to worry about. Because that sub is an old training sub 7
Both analysts believe that no matter how the United States moves towards Bangladesh, Bangladesh must act with its own interests in mind.
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Relations between Bangladesh and the United States
Opposition to the birth of Bangladesh
The United States opposed Bangladesh during the War of Independence Many of the weapons Pakistan uses to wage war are made in the United States. They even wanted to prevent the emergence of this new state by sending the Seventh Fleet to Bangladesh. The United States also took the initiative to bring a ceasefire proposal to the United Nations to avoid the defeat of Pakistan. These were frustrated by the role of the former Soviet Union
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Relations between Bangladesh and the United States
Recognition at the end
Although the United States government opposed Bangladesh during the war, many people in the country played a role in campaigning for Bangladesh and raising funds. They also spoke out against human rights violations in Pakistan. When Bangladesh finally became independent, the US government apparently changed positions. Bangladesh Recognizes 7 However, in recent times, the country has been active in preventing the execution of war criminals in Bangladesh.
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Relations between Bangladesh and the United States
In investment and development
In the immediate aftermath of independence, the United States tried to develop relations with Bangladesh. In addition to participating in the development of the new country, they also have various investment proposals. According to USAID, they currently have one of the largest foreign aid missions in Bangladesh. However, there is widespread criticism of US investors in the energy sector, such as Chevron and Conco Philippe.
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Relations between Bangladesh and the United States
Bangladesh export market
As a single country, Bangladesh’s largest export market is the United States. In terms of trade with the country, the import-export account is in Bangladesh’s favor. Of the more than 33 billion in exports in fiscal year 2015-16, ৬ 8 billion went to the United States.
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Relations between Bangladesh and the United States
Remittances
Of the record amount of Rs 1,532 million of Bangladeshi expatriate income in FY 2014-15, only £ 2.38 billion came from the United States. For a long time, the country has been among the top 5 earning countries for expatriates in Bangladesh.
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Relations between Bangladesh and the United States
Ready-made clothing
The main export of Bangladesh is ready-made garments. This product is also the most exported to the United States. However, in recent times, these exports have been declining
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Relations between Bangladesh and the United States
GSP
Goods can be exported to the United States duty-free under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). Although the garment sector has never received this benefit, the United States canceled this benefit for Bangladesh after the Rana Plaza accident. The government of Bangladesh is now saying that it is only a matter of dignity as exports of GSP-enabled products are low.
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Relations between Bangladesh and the United States
It was Trump
The US elections come after Bangladesh’s bitterness with former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton over the issue of removing Muhammad Yunus from the Grameen Bank. Despite making anti-Muslim comments there, the government of Bangladesh was the first of the Muslim countries to warmly congratulate Trump on his victory.
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Relations between Bangladesh and the United States
TPP canceled
Bangladesh was not directly involved in the Trans-Pacific Partnership or TPP. However, Bangladesh was concerned because if this agreement were implemented, Vietnam would gain duty-free access to garment exports. In the United States market, Bangladesh’s main export was facing uneven competition. The Bangladeshi government also congratulated Trump for canceling the agreement promised in the elections.
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Relations between Bangladesh and the United States
Geopolitics
China is far away, India remains It also shares borders with Myanmar, a longtime ally of China. Due to its geostrategic location, Bangladesh is of special importance to major powers. In recent times, in various international forums, Bangladesh has created a different position by playing a role for the least developed countries.
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Relations between Bangladesh and the United States
Paris Climate Agreement
Bangladesh is one of the biggest victims of climate change According to the agreement, each year £ 1 billion is allocated to developing countries. Trump’s withdrawal from the deal will put pressure on funding Also, if the United States does not reduce carbon emissions, Bangladesh will have to suffer.
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Relations between Bangladesh and the United States
Peacemakers
A large part of the members of the UN-led peacekeeping force are from Bangladesh. It has also become a source of foreign income for Bangladesh. On the other hand, a large part of the UN budget comes from the United States, which Trump has set out to reduce. In that case, it would be nearly impossible to carry out many tasks, including peacekeeping missions, a spokesman for the organization said. It has also worried Bangladesh
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Relations between Bangladesh and the United States
Immigration policy
Trump’s various measures to reduce illegal immigrants in the United States will cause problems for many expatriate Bangladeshis living there.
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Relations between Bangladesh and the United States
Democracy and human rights
Democracy and the human rights situation in the country are a big part of the relationship with the United States The US Ambassador to Bangladesh is often seen talking about it or being active
Author: Sulaiman Nilay
