Dhaka: In a dramatic statement following her ouster, former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has for the first time publicly blamed the United States for the recent coup in Bangladesh. Speaking from an undisclosed location after leaving the country amid escalating violence, Hasina alleged that the U.S. attempted to coerce her into surrendering sovereignty over St. Martin’s Island, a strategically important territory in the Bay of Bengal.
“If I had relinquished control of St. Martin’s Island and allowed the U.S. to take over this part of the Bay of Bengal, I would have remained in power,” Hasina stated. She emphasized that her refusal to cede sovereignty led to her removal from office.
The Strategic Importance of St. Martin’s Island
St. Martin’s Island, also known locally as Narikel Jinjira (Coconut Island) or Daruchini Dwip (Cinnamon Island), is a small but strategically significant island covering an area of approximately 3 square kilometers. Located in the northeastern Bay of Bengal, the island is about 9 kilometers south of the Cox’s Bazar-Teknaf peninsula in Bangladesh and 8 kilometers west of Myanmar’s northwest coast, near the mouth of the Naf River.
The island has been a longstanding point of contention between Bangladesh and Myanmar, particularly concerning the demarcation of maritime boundaries and fishing rights. In 2012, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) ruled in favor of Bangladesh, affirming the island as part of its territorial sea, continental shelf, and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Despite this ruling, disputes have persisted, with Myanmar briefly laying claim to the island in 2018 before retracting the assertion following diplomatic protests from Bangladesh.
Geopolitical Implications and Allegations of U.S. Pressure
Sheikh Hasina’s accusations bring into sharp focus the geopolitical dynamics in the Indian Ocean region. The island’s strategic location makes it a key asset for any power looking to assert influence in the region. Hasina’s statement suggests that her refusal to allow U.S. control over the island was a decisive factor in the coup that removed her from power.
The situation also highlights China’s growing influence in the region through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a massive infrastructure and economic development project that includes Bangladesh as a participant. India’s opposition to the BRI stems from the project’s passage through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), which New Delhi considers a violation of its sovereignty.
China’s expanding footprint in the Indian Ocean has also raised alarms in Washington. In response, the U.S. has developed its Indo-Pacific strategy, positioning India as a key strategic partner. The strategy includes initiatives such as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) and the Malabar Naval Exercises, aimed at countering China’s influence.
Hasina’s Statement and Regional Repercussions
Sheikh Hasina’s allegations against the U.S. are likely to escalate tensions in the already volatile region. Her claims suggest a complex interplay of regional and global powers vying for influence in the Bay of Bengal and the broader Indian Ocean area.
As Bangladesh navigates its post-coup political landscape, the international community will be closely watching for further developments, particularly concerning the strategic and disputed St. Martin’s Island.
Comments are closed.