Geopolitical Economy Report
Exposing US gov't role in Bangladesh regime change: Why PM Sheikh Hasina was overthrown
Aug 17, 2024
Muhammad Yunus, cultivated by the U.S. for decades and now interim leader of Bangladesh, discusses the recent regime change alongside geopolitical commentator Ben Norton. They delve into the U.S. support for protests against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the implications of a potential U.S. military base on Saint Martin's Island. The conversation highlights historical U.S. interventions, the international power dynamics involving India, China, and Russia, and the complex relationship between U.S. foreign policy and Bangladeshi politics.
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Quick takeaways
- The U.S. government played a pivotal role in the overthrow of Sheikh Hasina by supporting protests aimed at establishing a new interim leader aligned with American interests.
- Muhammad Yunus, now interim leader, embodies the complexities of foreign influence in governance, particularly through microfinance practices that often exploit the very communities they aim to support.
Deep dives
Overthrow of Bangladesh's Government
In August 2023, the government of Bangladesh was overthrown following months of violent protests, leading to the appointment of Muhammad Yunus, a banker with longstanding ties to the U.S. government, as the interim leader. The U.S. quickly recognized his unelected administration, indicating a commitment to work with Bangladesh towards a democratic future. Yunus’s close relationship with U.S. officials dates back years, including receiving the prestigious U.S. Congressional Medal and the Medal of Freedom from President Obama. His ascent to power raises questions about foreign influence in local governance and the legitimacy of the new leadership.
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