Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh alleged that the United States had a role to play for her ouster from the office. She claimed that she and her administration could have remained in power if she had surrendered the country’s sovereignty over the Saint Martin Island to the hands of the United States.
Located in the Bay of Bengal near Myanmar, the tiny island of St Martin also known as Narikal Jinjira (Coconut Island) is Bangladesh’s only coral island and a home to about 5,500 residents. The inhabitants of the island primarily do fishing, rice cultivation, coconut farming, and seaweed harvesting etc.
It is known for its stunning natural beauty, including the blue waters and diverse existing marine life. It is also a popular tourist destination, especially during winter.
Sheikh Hasina’s allegations on US
Following the ongoing protests in Bangladesh, the island has been a center of controversy with several accusations that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party intended to sell it to the United States for a military base.
Recently, the former Prime Minister claimed the US wanted to acquire the island for the establishment of a military base and in exchange for the BNP’s electoral success.
She later also suggested that her removal from the office, might be result of US’s influence.
US denies the accusations
Meanwhile, the US State Department denied these accusations, emphasizing their commitment to promote democracy and respecting Bangladesh’s sovereignty.
Political Concerns surrounding Saint Martin
Additionally, the island has been involved in many political turmoils previously. Bangladesh and Myanmar made many sovereign claims over the island due to the dispute over delimitation of their maritime boundary. They have clashed on fishing rights around the area.
Once, both US and China have also shown their interest in establishing their presence over the island.
Historical Significance
St Martin island has a rich history dating back since the early 18th century, when Arabian merchants first imposed their control there. The island was a part of British India and named after Saint Martin, a Christian priest. It became a part of Bangladesh after 1971, Bangladesh’s Liberation War between Bangladesh and Pakistan.
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