In Bangladesh, there’s a troubling pattern where U.S. involvement seems to shape the country’s political landscape, often at the expense of its democratic process. This process involves using strong economic policies, often enforced by the IMF and World Bank, to influence the country’s governance.
In 2024, the U.S. supported the opposition party against the ruling government led by Sheikh Hasina. Sheikh Hasina is the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who was assassinated in 1975. This recent political struggle has seen the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka backing the opposition, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and criticizing the current government.
The Voice of America has confirmed that U.S. Ambassador Peter Haas has supported pro-democracy activists and critics of Sheikh Hasina. The Awami League (AL), Sheikh Hasina’s party, has accused Ambassador Haas of interfering in Bangladeshi politics and backing the opposition’s violent actions.
A History of U.S. Influence
Since its independence, Bangladesh has seen several instances of U.S.-backed political shifts. The most notable was in 1975 when President Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was overthrown and assassinated. This coup was reportedly aided by U.S. intelligence and led to the establishment of a military regime.
Before the coup, the U.S. and the World Bank were already pushing Bangladesh to follow their economic policies, which were meant to stabilize the economy but often led to severe hardships, including famine.
Economic Control and Its Impact
Since the 1975 coup, Bangladesh has been heavily influenced by international donors and financial institutions like the IMF and World Bank. These entities controlled many aspects of the country’s economic policies and public finances.
The IMF’s policies included austerity measures and economic reforms that often harmed local industries and agriculture. For instance, subsidies for agriculture were removed, leading to the collapse of small farms and increasing rural poverty.
The IMF also pushed for the closure of a third of Bangladesh’s jute industry, affecting millions of people who depended on it for their livelihood. Additionally, U.S. grain surpluses were dumped in Bangladesh, undermining local food production and contributing to poverty.
Social Consequences
The economic reforms not only impacted industries but also the daily lives of ordinary Bangladeshis. Public health and social services were severely cut, leading to increased malnutrition and poor health conditions. During a flood in 1991, for example, the resulting famine was worsened by the economic policies, with many victims failing to receive adequate aid.
Bangladesh’s experience shows how international economic and political interventions can significantly shape a country’s destiny, often with harsh consequences for its people. The ongoing political and economic struggles highlight the deep and troubling influence of external forces on Bangladesh’s sovereignty and development.
