Bangladesh might be a young country—just 53 years old—but its history is more thrilling than a Hollywood blockbuster. From military coups and assassinations to betrayals and political intrigue, this small South Asian nation has seen it all. But what’s happening now is bigger than anything before. The latest coup in Bangladesh isn’t just local news—it’s pulling global superpowers like the US, China, and India into a complex web of geopolitics.
Let’s break down what’s really going on.
Why Does Bangladesh Matter?
With 170 million people, Bangladesh is more populous than Russia, Japan, or Germany. It sits right next to India, one of the world’s biggest countries, and close to a crucial area called the Bay of Bengal. This region is near the Malacca Strait, a narrow waterway through which much of China’s trade passes. If the US wanted to disrupt China’s trade, this would be the place to do it.
But here’s the catch: the US doesn’t have any strong allies in this part of the world. Countries like Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia have all refused to be pawns in America’s strategy against China. And India, which owns the strategically important Andaman Nicobar Islands, has also refused to let the US build military bases there.
So, what’s left for the US? Bangladesh, and this is where things get interesting.
The Target: Bangladesh and Its Prime Minister Hasina
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been a central figure in Bangladesh for decades, ruling for a total of 20 years. She’s the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of Bangladesh, who was assassinated in a brutal attack that killed much of her family. Hasina herself has survived several assassination attempts. The person convicted of trying to kill her in 2004, Tarique Rahman, has been living in London for years and is now poised to take power in Bangladesh. This shows just how deeply the West has been involved in Bangladesh’s internal affairs.
But why would the US want to get rid of Hasina? The answer lies in her foreign policy. Hasina embraced a concept called “strategic autonomy.” This means she tried to keep good relations with everyone—India, Russia, China, and the US. Under her leadership, Bangladesh joined China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a massive global infrastructure project. Hasina even bought submarines from China and invited Russia to build a nuclear power plant in Bangladesh. When the US threatened to sanction Bangladesh, Hasina boldly used Chinese currency to pay Russia.
In short, Hasina was too independent for the US’s liking. She refused to let the US build military bases in Bangladesh, and she even showed interest in joining BRICS, an economic alliance that includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This was unacceptable to the US, which wants to maintain its global dominance.
The Coup and Its Consequences
The recent coup in Bangladesh has serious implications for India. A government that was friendly to India has been replaced by one that leans toward Pakistan, India’s historical rival. This shift could destabilize the region, especially since Bangladesh shares a long border with India. If the new Bangladeshi government aligns with Pakistan and extremist groups, India could face significant security challenges.
Indian intelligence agencies are keeping a close watch on a series of meetings between U.S. Consul General Jennifer Larson and Indian politicians, sparking significant concern. These concerns are further exacerbated by recent warnings from the US Ambassador threatening India’s strategic sovereignty. Sources in the Indian intelligence community told GreatGameInternational, these meetings are being closely monitored, and the information gathered so far is considered “of concern”.
There’s also the risk of a refugee crisis. The new regime in Bangladesh is connected to groups that have a history of violence against Hindus, who make up a minority in the country. If things get worse, many Hindus could flee to India, creating a humanitarian disaster.
Moreover, if US-India relations continue to deteriorate, the US could use Bangladesh and Pakistan to pressure India from both sides. This wouldn’t be the first time the US has supported Islamic militants; similar tactics were used in Libya, Syria, and during the Cold War in Afghanistan.
Why US-India Relations Are Falling Apart
Not long ago, the US and India seemed to be getting closer. But in the past year, their relationship has taken a sharp turn for the worse. India had hoped that its partnership with the US would help it become the next economic powerhouse, like China. But that didn’t happen. Instead, India’s reliance on China has only increased.
On the other side, the US wanted India to be a loyal ally, ready to follow American orders without question. But India isn’t willing to abandon its relationships with Russia or China, nor is it willing to allow US military bases on its soil.
The US doesn’t take “no” very well, and this is why it orchestrated the coup in Bangladesh. By overthrowing Hasina, the US sent a clear message to India: there’s no such thing as strategic autonomy. You’re either with us, or you’re against us.
But this strategy might backfire. If the US keeps pushing, it could drive India closer to China and Russia, creating a powerful alliance that could challenge American influence in Asia.
How the US Pulled Off the Coup
The US began planning the coup in Bangladesh years ago. By early 2021, American media started portraying Hasina as a dictator, a clear sign that the US was gearing up for regime change. Various US officials, including Victoria Nuland, visited Bangladesh and met with opposition leaders. They were laying the groundwork for what was to come.
The US also invested heavily in Bangladesh’s education system, particularly at Dhaka University, where many students and professors are influenced by Western ideals. Through funding and scholarships, the US has been grooming the next generation of Bangladeshi leaders to be sympathetic to American interests.
When the time was right, these students were mobilized to protest against Hasina’s government. But no coup can succeed without the backing of the police, military, and media. The US, with its vast resources, ensured that all these elements were in place. Within days of the coup, a man named Yunus, who has deep ties to Western elites, was installed as the leader of Bangladesh’s interim government.
The Empire Strikes Again
The US has a long history of interfering in other countries’ politics to maintain its global dominance. This time, Bangladesh is the target. But the consequences of this coup could be far-reaching, potentially destabilizing South Asia and driving India closer to China and Russia. The US is playing a dangerous game, and the stakes are higher than ever. The outcome could reshape the geopolitical landscape, not just in Asia, but around the world.
