No Intention To Grab St. Martin’s Island From Bangladesh, Says US

International

oi-Sanjeev Nayak

Saint Martin’s, the one and only coral island of Bangladesh, has survived not only Cyclone Mocha last month but a probable take-over by the United States. Terming the speculations as “inaccurate”, the US has clarified that it has never engaged in any conversations with Bangladesh about taking over the island.

Refuting the allegations made by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina that the US had intentions to grab St. Martin’s Island, the US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller has said that it values its partnership with Bangladesh.

During a media briefing on June 21, PM Hasina had alleged that main opposition party Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) was willing to sell it to the US. She also said her regime might be ousted from power if she did not comply with the US demand to lease out the island.

Accusing the BNP of willing to come to power by committing to sell the island to the US as “it did in 2001 by pledging to sell gas,” Hasina stated that she has no intention of retaining power by selling the country’s assets to anyone.

Although the Bangladeshi premier did not categorically mention any name who may be seeking to take a lease of St Martin’s, two members of parliament (MPs) in Bangladesh spoke openly against US’ intention about the island.

During a discussion in parliament on June 14, Bangladesh MP Rashed Khan Menon, who is the president of the Workers Party, had also accused the US of eying St. Martin’s Island. He also alleged that the new US visa policy is part of a strategy for “regime change”.

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On 19 June, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal president and MP Hasanul Haque Inu too expressed his concerns, questioning whether the US is meddling in Bangladesh’s affairs for the sake of democracy or for control of Saint Martin’s Island. “The US has suddenly become very enthusiastic about Bangladesh. They actually want to make Bangladesh a playground to ‘dominate’ India,” he alleged.

The island, located at the country’s southernmost tip, is known for its unique natural beauty and thriving marine, and hence a popular tourist destination. But it holds significance also due to its geographical location and the US might be interested in the island specifically for this reason as it would be useful for QUAD operations.

However, expressing his country’s “profound respect” towards the sovereignty of Bangladesh, Miller said that the US strives to bolster the relationship between the two countries by working together to promote democracy, including by supporting “free and fair elections” in Bangladesh.