📷 Image Credits: India Today
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has raised serious concerns about a foreign nation’s alleged plot to create a Christian state using parts of Bangladesh and Myanmar. She disclosed that she was offered a smooth re-election in exchange for allowing the construction of an airbase in Bangladesh by a ‘white-skinned man.’ Hasina made these revelations during a meeting with her 14-party alliance at the Gono Bhaban in Dhaka. The offer, according to Hasina, involved carving out a Christian country similar to East Timor, with a base in the Bay of Bengal. Although she refrained from specifying the country making the offer, she noted that it was part of a broader strategy affecting regional forces other than Bangladesh. This development is crucial for India as it shares strategic borders with Bangladesh, making the nation of significant importance to India.
Hasina’s assertion of not allowing any harm to trade and commerce in the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean is essential, considering the historical ties between India and Bangladesh. Bangladesh’s pivotal location in the Bay of Bengal has attracted the interest of various global powers, including the US, China, and Russia. The recent election in Bangladesh, which saw Hasina secure a fourth consecutive term, was closely monitored by key global stakeholders. Analysts believe that the US’s emphasis on ‘free and fair elections’ in Bangladesh is part of its broader agenda to counteract the influence of other major powers like China and Russia in the region.
Furthermore, Hasina’s claims of a foreign nation’s attempt to carve out a Christian state raise concerns about regional stability and security. The alleged offer of a hassle-free re-election in exchange for allowing the construction of an airbase could have significant implications not only for Bangladesh but also for neighboring countries like India. Hasina’s unwavering stance on protecting the interests and sovereignty of Bangladesh reflects the challenges and complexities involved in navigating geopolitical pressures and safeguarding national integrity in an increasingly competitive regional landscape.
