World
Sheikh Hasina's Government In Bangladesh Gains Another Supporter In Russia Amid US' Attempts To Destabilise It
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Sheikh Hasina's government in Bangladesh has found another supporter against United States attempts to destabilise it, this time in the form of Russia, in addition to India.
In a briefing held in Moscow, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova accused US Ambassador in Dhaka Peter Haas of supporting the opposition's efforts to organise anti-government rallies in Bangladesh, reported Dhaka Tribune.
Maria claimed that at the end of October, Ambassador Haas engaged with a local opposition member to strategise the coordination of protests against the government.
"At the end of October, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas met with a member of the local opposition to discuss plans for organising anti-government rallies," Maria said.
She asserted, "such actions amount to nothing less than gross interference in internal affairs."
Reportedly, Peter Haas sought to mediate agreements between political parties, observed delivering a letter from his superior, Assistant Secretary Donald Lu, to major parties, urging them to engage in dialogue.
In anticipation of the BNP's rally on October 28, which was ultimately disrupted by clashes with the police, Haas met with Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan.
Following the meeting, the minister claimed that the ambassador inquired about the government's intentions regarding road closures and access to Dhaka during the event — a statement the embassy later refuted.
Both Russia and China, apart from India had previously cautioned against any US interference in the political processes of Bangladesh.
Just a fortnight ago, in a show of support, a Russian Naval Flotilla docked in Bangladesh after half a century. The last time a Russian naval flotilla visited Bangladesh was 50 years ago, after its independence from Pakistan with the help of India.
The flotilla from the Russian Pacific fleet, comprising the anti-submarine warfare ships Admiral Tributs and Admiral Panteleyev, and the tanker Pechenga, docked at the port of Chittagong on Sunday (12 November).
India's Stance On This Issue
India has asked the US to stop meddling in Bangladesh's internal affairs.
India has cautioned the US that pressuring Bangladesh too much will push it into China’s arms. Indian leaders and diplomats have also pointed out that the BNP and its Islamist allies have an agenda that could potentially pose a threat to regional and global security.
