On the other hand, the end of Hasina’s rule presents an opportunity for political renewal. If political parties and civil society groups seize the moment, they can push for a broad-based coalition government committed to greater political freedom, transparency, and accountability. However, achieving this will require significant political will and compromise among Bangladesh’s traditionally polarized parties. The international community, including regional powers like India and global actors like the United States, may also play a crucial role in the process.
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News and Analyses of events in the America region
Reimagining Australia-Bangladesh Ties from Recognition to Partnership
With an eye to fortifying its Indo-Pacific strategy, Australia seeks to expand its South Asian engagement beyond its current focus on India. Bangladesh, a nation pulsating with economic potential and a population exceeding 160 million, is seen by Australia as a potential “Asian tiger” poised for a future leap. Recognizing its strategic stake in the northeast Indian Ocean’s stability, Australia is invested in maintaining maritime security and supporting regional nations against external pressure. To this end, Australia desires to cultivate a rapport with the Bangladeshi military through targeted exchanges and educational opportunities. Furthermore, Australia is keen to assist in bolstering Bangladesh’s maritime capabilities in select areas. These endeavors represent the core of Australia’s strategic interests centered on Bangladesh.
Read moreReassessing the Rome Statute of the ICC and the Urgent Need for Bangladesh’s Withdrawal
In recent years, Western nations have been increasingly outspoken about the issue of human rights abuses by the government in Bangladesh. Western NGOs and INGOs, often referred to as defenders of human rights, have asserted that they have documented these crimes and have urged Western governments to take action. Consequently, the Rapid Action Battalion was sanctioned by the United States. However, the US’s involvement did not stop there. It exerted its influence prior to the last general election, demonstrating a lack of support for the current government. It is evident to the US that the current ruling party of Bangladesh does not align with the US’s policy of containing China. Therefore, the US will continue its efforts to effect political change, a prospect that the members of the ruling party leader may find unwise, not only for the potential loss of state power but also for the possibility of being tried both domestically and internationally under the Rome Statute of the ICC, which the law ministry ratified without any geopolitical foresight.
Read moreThe Art and Science of Deterrence with an Interdisciplinary Perspective for Bangladesh
Beyond its military might, Bangladesh can leverage its economic potential. Fostering strong economic ties with regional giants like India and China creates a web of interdependence, making conflict a less attractive option for all parties involved. By becoming a crucial link in regional trade routes through efficient ports or a digital hub, Bangladesh strengthens its position.
Bangladesh’s tradition of non-alignment presents another opportunity. By avoiding entanglement in major power rivalries, it can maintain its diplomatic flexibility. Actively participating in regional and international organisations like SAARC, ASEAN, and the UN allows Bangladesh to build goodwill and forge a diplomatic shield.
An Insight into American Soft Manoeuvres in India Before the Election
The BJP’s ability to rebuild trust with the West during this period will be under scrutiny. This is crucial, as the West, particularly the United States, has significant geopolitical interests in the region. In these cases, the US is using the pre-election period, which is typically open to political pressure, dialogue, and negotiation. The goal seems to be to curb anti-Western sentiments within the BJP. The US thinks those could be achieved through various means, such as diplomatic pressure, discussions, policy negotiations, or even public statements that signal the US’s stance without damaging the BJP to the core.
Read moreHow the US Indo-Pacific Strategy Appears as a Threat to Small Littoral States like Bangladesh
Therefore, countries like Bangladesh must reevaluate their relationships with Western countries, especially the US. Bangladesh has no intention of containing or assisting in the containment of any country in the region. Bangladesh must frankly tell the US that its unwise policies of hi-tech weaponization of one country against another will be detrimental to the security, sovereignty, and sustainability of small, coastal, and vulnerable countries like Bangladesh. The country must urge the US to ensure mutual respect within the region by prioritizing regional forums over a particular country. This is the only way to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
Read moreIt Is High Time for Bangladesh to Rein the Social Engineering Media
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Smart Bangladesh vision promises a future of boundless potential, yet beneath the gleaming veneer lies a crucial question: can a nation be truly smart if its citizens are not safe online?
Read moreResonance of War Drums Signalling an Expanding Conflict in the Middle East
For the US, addressing these proxy conflicts presents multifaceted challenges. Morally, the US must navigate the complexities of engaging in regions with high civilian densities and intricate political landscapes. Financially, sustained military engagements demand significant resources, with an ever-present need to justify these expenditures to both domestic and international audiences.
Read moreThe War in Ukraine and the NATO-Russia Power Play in a Comfortably Numb World
The strategic rationale for NATO’s enlargement was rooted in both idealism and realpolitik. Proponents argued that expanding NATO would consolidate a Europe “whole and free,” ensuring ‘’stability and democracy’’ in regions historically susceptible to authoritarianism. However, critics contended that this rationale failed largely when the war in the Balkans broke out in the late 1990s and the enlargement was considered a provocative move, encircling Russia and undermining its regional security interests. This dichotomy between Western aspirations for a hegemonic international order and Russia’s perception of encirclement set the stage for the geopolitical discord that would eventually manifest in the war in Ukraine.
Read moreThe Houthis and the Global Trend Towards Offensive Realism Redefining Resistance
This maneuver by the Houthis has precipitated a crisis in the US’s hegemonic status. America’s foremost objective has been to contain the Israel-Palestine conflict, preventing its escalation into a full-fledged regional war. However, the involvement of the Houthis, coupled with Hezbollah’s participation, transforms the conflict into a regional affair, albeit one restrained by diplomatic efforts and international pressure.
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