United States Policy Towards Bangladesh: A shift in Bilateral Relations

The bilateral relations between the United States and Bangladesh are extensive and have historical origins. During the past fifty years, friendly ties have existed between the two nations that have increased collaboration in areas of economic growth, environmental protection, the fight against terrorism, democratic governance, and the protection of human rights. But the recent actions taken by the US administration and President Joe Biden have caused tension in bilateral relations. The United States' poor policy decisions have caused some turbulence in the robust relations between the US and Bangladesh.

In its interactions with other countries, the United States has always prioritized democracy and respect for human rights. The United States has made its support of these values a central component of its foreign policy, and it has done so through a variety of means, including diplomatic outreach, financial assistance and sanctions, and military action in some cases. The policy of sanctioning RAB individuals in 2021 marked the first rift in US-Bangladesh relations. Without any prior notice, the US sanctioned high-ranking RAB officials on grounds of extrajudicial killing, forced disappearances, and human rights abuse. In 2022, US Ambassador Hass made allegations of forced disappearances in the 2014 and 2018 national elections. Again, in February 2023, the US State Department Counselor, Derek Chollet, voiced concerns over the decline of democracy in Bangladesh and warned that this would limit cooperation with the US. Lastly, in May 2023, the new US visa policy was announced ahead of national elections that is due to be held by January 2024. US Secretary Antony Blinken issued a statement that seemed more like a warning from Washington. The US indirectly warned Bangladesh on May 3 about the new visa policy under "Section 212(a)(3)(C) ("3C") of the Immigration and Nationality Act". This will impose visa restrictions on Bangladeshi citizens who undermine the democratic election process. This policy was further explained by Assistant Secretary Donald Lau in ‘Tritiyo Matra’ in an interview. Following that incident, six congressmen wrote a letter to Antony Blinken, requesting that he take steps to ensure free and fair elections in Bangladesh. After that, the UN is planning to enhance screening of Bangladesh peacekeepers, which is undermining their contribution to volatile peacekeeping missions.

The US is making several policies about Bangladesh. Numerous factors influence this decision from the United States, but these factors also have geopolitical implications. Firstly, the US wants Bangladesh to join bloc politics in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine war and Taiwan crisis. Bangladesh has always maintained a non-aligned position in global politics, pursued neutrality in foreign policy choices, and taken decisions based on multipolarity. In the United Nations, Bangladesh abstained twice with other South Asian nations to condemn Russia as the war was ongoing. However, on the question of human rights, Bangladesh voted in favor of Ukraine. Even in the Taiwan issue, Bangladesh has strongly reiterated its position towards the "One China Policy". The Taiwan issue still remains a prime concern for the US and allies in the West, and South Asian allies want the US to reposition its policy towards Taiwan. Secondly, the US has greater interests in the Indo-Pacific region. Therefore, it has been creating security alliances to counter China’s assertive intentions in this region. To pursue that goal, the US wanted Bangladesh to join initiatives like QUAD or IPS and corner China from all sides. However, Bangladesh vehemently rejected joining any security alliance and gave economic diplomacy top priority for any initiatives due to the constitution's frequent encouragement of a peaceful foreign policy. In December 2022, Bangladesh introduced its Indo-Pacific Outlook and echoed the importance of a stable and peaceful region, but also emphasized China’s role in this region. Thirdly, the US has been commenting in the internal domestic affairs of Bangladesh. It is urging to establish the Western concept of democracy to be implemented in Bangladesh and to create immense pressure for the country to choose a west-centric foreign policy. Even though its connections with some authoritarian states cast doubt on its proclaimed policy of adhering to democracy and human rights. Fourthly, the US has become tensed about the economic proximity Bangladesh and China hold. Bangladeshi products in Chinese markets get 99% duty-free access. Also, Bangladesh joined BRI to ensure its infrastructural development. Through BRI, China has committed to invest almost $40 billion in the country. As the Padma Multipurpose Bridge and the Bangabandhu Karnaphuli Tunnel have been completed, it has also marked a robust bi-lateral relationship between these two states. Bangladesh is also not falling into the western-narrated "debt trap" and maintaining a considerable forex reserve. Even in cases where Bangladesh is facing difficulty paying in US dollars, it has resorted to paying in Chinese RMB. Bangladesh is further seeking China’s mediation to repatriate the Rohingyas in Myanmar. In all these cases, the US has failed to provide a substantive policy for Bangladesh. In addition, on 26 May, 2023, the Chinese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sun Weidong, made a three-day visit to Dhaka at a time of heightened strain in ties between the United States and Bangladesh. Bangladesh is thinking about joining China's Global Development Initiative. Fifth, the US is even less optimistic about the developing ties between Russia and Bangladesh. The nuclear power plant at Roopoor served as a metaphor for ongoing friendship. Bangladesh is working toward its objectives of having a developed economy by 2050 and a high-income nation by 2041. Bangladesh places a high priority on energy sustainability, and Russia is helping Bangladesh achieve this goal.

However, The US is oblivious to the internal component of domestic politics in Bangladesh. Firstly, when it comes to dealing with Bangladesh, the United States of America has also been emphasizing on these two ideals during the Presidency of Joe Biden. Secondly, Bangladesh may never change its stance on the Ukraine issue, the Rohingya issue, or the Taiwan issue, which is another error in US policy towards Bangladesh. The US's diplomacy in Bangladesh could backfire because Bangladesh would not alter its views on China, Russia, or Ukraine. Given that South Asia heavily relies on the bureaucratic model of foreign policy, it is clear even from historical evidence that the US may not benefit in any particular way. Thirdly, with this involvement, the US is interfering in domestic politics of Bangladesh that violates Article 2(4) of the UN Charter. So, the US is losing its credibility as a responsible global power. Lastly, due to Bangladesh’s geographic position and growing economy, its strategic significance has reached a mountainous level in global politics. As the US is undertaking such initiatives towards Bangladesh, Bangladesh is focusing on joining initiatives like BRICS and diversifying its RMG exports, even in Middle Eastern countries. It is known that US has been has been Bangladesh’s top RMG export destination. Furthermore, Bangladesh is ensuring that RMG exports to Europe can continue if the US does not remain in top position.

In conclusion, it should be noted that it is impossible to predict precisely how this visa policy will affect the outcome of the election or the bilateral relations. The United States government has been showing concern over the free and fair election in Bangladesh. It cannot be denied that the US is exerting a significant amount of influence and pressure to bring about the goals it is committed to achieving. But in order to put it into practice, the US is choosing few methods to Bangladesh that has strained its robust bilateral relations. So, the US should seek a comprehensive dialogue rather than restrictions with Bangladesh to continue the existing bi-lateral ties.

Author’s Bio

Aishwarya Sanjukta Roy Proma is a research intern at the KRF Center for Bangladesh and Global Affairs. Previously, she worked at the East Asia Study Center. She is a research analyst in security studies. She obtained her Master's and Bachelor's degrees in International Relations from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. She can be reached at [email protected]