Sheikh Hasina's Government In Bangladesh Gains Another Supporter In Russia Amid US' Attempts To Destabilise It

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."

As the general election scheduled for 7 January approaches, the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has urged a boycott of the polls.

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.

In fact, China has already weighed in and assured Bangladesh that it supports Dhaka’s stance in 'opposing external interference' and has promised help to Dhaka to resist such interference.

Also Read: Bangladesh Elections: How India Is Helping Sheikh Hasina Fend Off Pressure From Western Nations To Step Down

Why Outcome Of A ‘Free And Fair’ Election In Bangladesh Could Spell Danger For The World