Dhaka - India has shown a strong preference for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh due to her unwavering compliance with Indian interests, such as providing transit facilities and addressing security concerns. India seeks to reward Hasina with a fourth term as Prime Minister, aligning with its national interests. However, this approach overlooks the democratic decline that has turned Bangladesh into a one-party, one-leader nation.
In contrast, the United States has responded to pleas from Bangladesh's beleaguered opposition, signaling a departure from its previous stance. The US State Department has announced visa bans on individuals obstructing free and fair elections in Bangladesh, opposing the rigging that occurred in previous polls. The US aims for a level playing field and demands an end to the suppression of the opposition, free press, and civil society by India's favored Awami League.
The Hasina government is concerned about potential US actions, including the revocation of visas for influential figures such as Sajeed Wazed Joy, Hasina's son and heir-apparent. US sanctions on the commanders of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), a key force supporting Hasina's rule, have already had an impact. Additionally, Bangladesh was not invited to the Global Democracy Summits. India, on the other hand, has openly supported Hasina's leadership and praised her role in restoring democracy.
The permission granted for the Jamaat-e-Islami to hold a rally in Dhaka is a response to the US threat of visa cancellations for obstructing free and fair elections. The party's resurgence, with US support, poses a challenge to India's interests. Jamaat, closely aligned with Pakistan, opposes Bangladesh's liberation war and accuses India of exploitation. Despite falling within India's sphere of influence, New Delhi has remained silent on the US's proactive role, while China has criticized US interference.
Although the Hasina regime holds high expectations from India, recent incidents have shown that India may not have the final say. The US rejected India's attempt to assist Bangladesh in a situation involving a Russian ship carrying nuclear power plant equipment. US sanctions prevented the ship from docking in Bangladesh, despite India's willingness to accommodate it. This incident highlights the US's influence and the need for India to accept its authority, whether desired or not.