Hasina and Her Crisis with the USA

Hasina is the prime minister of Bangladesh and the leader of the Awami League party. She has been in power since 2009 and has overseen significant economic and social development in her country. However, she has also faced criticism from the USA and other international actors over the issue of human rights and sanctions. In this essay, I will examine the causes and consequences of this crisis.

The US Sanctions on RAB

The US sanctions on RAB are one of the main sources of tension between Hasina and the USA. RAB is a paramilitary force in Bangladesh that was established in 2004 with the advice and assistance of the USA. RAB was meant to combat terrorism and crime in Bangladesh, but it has also been accused of committing human rights violations, such as extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and torture. In 2020, the USA imposed sanctions on RAB for these alleged abuses, freezing its assets and banning its members from entering the USA.

Hasina’s Reaction to the Sanctions

Hasina has slammed the USA for targeting her administration with RAB sanctions and accused the country of harbouring a bias against her. She has defended her government’s record on human rights and democracy and denied any involvement in extrajudicial killings or disappearances. She has also questioned the USA’s role in establishing and training RAB in the first place. She has said that the USA may not want her or the progress her government made to continue. She has also warned that her government will not buy anything from countries that impose sanctions on Bangladesh.

The Impact of the Crisis

The crisis between Hasina and the USA has had negative impacts on both sides. For Hasina, the sanctions have damaged her reputation and credibility in the international arena. They have also strained her relations with other allies, such as India and Japan, who have expressed concerns over the human rights situation in Bangladesh. For the USA, the sanctions have alienated a strategic partner in South Asia and undermined its influence and interests in the region. They have also created opportunities for other actors, such as China and Turkey, to expand their ties with Bangladesh.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Hasina and her crisis with the USA is a complex and ongoing issue that stems from divergent views on human rights and sanctions. The USA has imposed sanctions on RAB for alleged human rights violations, while Hasina has rejected these accusations and blamed the USA for being biased against her. The crisis has affected both parties negatively and has implications for regional stability and cooperation.