US Criticizes Bangladesh's Political Actions

“He really embodied what so many involved in those protests last year wanted to see: a break with the repressive past and a return to democracy. It’s just symbolic. He was relatively young. He was very articulate. He was passionate about how things needed to get better in Bangladesh. So naturally you are going to get that type of response from the West.”

“There needs to be a recognition that your friends are not always going to think like you do, articulate the same position and fixate on the same issues.”

“They are active and doing what is expected of them.”

“If a violent incident takes place in Puerto Rico or the Carribean, which are in America’s backyard, will the American media ask why India is not talking about it? India may discuss it, but that naturally will happen later as India has its priorities in that region and this delayed response should not be interpreted in a negative way. Likewise, the Indian state is the rule-setter in South Asia. Why should our commentariat even bother about what others are saying about events that should concern us?”

“The flags at the Franco-German Embassy were kept at half-mast today in observance of the national day of mourning for the passing of Sharif Osman Hadi, in solemn solidarity with Bangladesh and its people.”

“Normally such official statements are issued when the individual involved has international importance.”

“The US has long wanted to have a strong military and political presence in the Bay of Bengal region.”

“Although we [India and the US] cooperate, the Americans are very careful about balancing other powers to ensure their hegemony. The presumption is that any other powers big enough to offer competition must be constrained. Both the US and China have done it via Pakistan before and now they may be seeking another proxy in Bangladesh.”

“There has been no response of any kind from Western countries to the deterioration of law and order in Bangladesh. I can only conclude that Western countries want an Islamist government in Bangladesh. They haven’t said a word about Awami League not being allowed to participate in the forthcoming elections.”

“The West sees this as just an opportunity to engage with whoever comes to power next. They are trying to desperately show that they are not in any way going to support the Awami League. They are going to support the transition happening in Bangladesh, even if it means turning a blind-eye to whatever is happening.”