U.S. Says Decisions on Awami League and Sheikh Hasina Are Bangladesh’s to Make

Shibbir Ahmed, New York – The United States has said it has taken no position on lifting restrictions on Bangladesh’s Awami League or on allowing former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to return to Bangladesh and participate in the country’s political process. Washington has also not taken an official position on the judicial proceedings against Sheikh Hasina, a senior U.S. State Department official said during an on-background briefing on South Asia at the New York Foreign Press Center on Thursday.

Asked whether the United States supports lifting restrictions on the Awami League and allowing Sheikh Hasina to return to Bangladesh and participate in politics, the official said Washington does not want to take sides in Bangladesh’s domestic political affairs.

The official said the United States is working with Bangladesh’s elected government and wants to strengthen bilateral relations with the aim of helping build a stronger, safer and more prosperous Bangladesh. Asked whether the decision to lift restrictions on the Awami League was ultimately a matter for the United States, the official replied that it was “a decision for the government of Bangladesh.”

No official U.S. position on Sheikh Hasina’s trial

The issue of Sheikh Hasina’s trial and possible return to Bangladesh was also raised by journalist Lovlu Ansar. He asked about the U.S. position on the verdict against Hasina by a Bangladeshi court, her reported desire to return to the country and her request for an opportunity to challenge proceedings conducted in her absence.

In response, the U.S. official said Washington has not taken an official position on the matter. The official described the issue as an important point of disagreement in India-Bangladesh relations and said the United States hopes India and Bangladesh will resolve the matter through discussions between the two countries.

The official also said Washington has not taken a specific position on what should be done regarding Sheikh Hasina. The United States, the official added, wants to see improved relations between India and Bangladesh and encourages both countries to strengthen their bilateral ties.

U.S. responds to questions about AQIS in Bangladesh

The briefing also touched on concerns regarding the activities of Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS). Journalist Lovlu Ansar referred to a report by the UN Security Council sanctions monitoring team that raised concerns about AQIS attempting to establish small clandestine terrorist cells in several countries, including Bangladesh. Asked about Bangladesh’s response and the U.S. position on the issue, the official said he was not familiar with the details of the specific report.

However, he described Al-Qaeda as a terrorist organization and said the United States would work with countries on counterterrorism efforts. The official declined to comment specifically on the report because he had not reviewed its details.

U.S. does not want Bangladesh to choose sides

The official was also asked about Bangladesh’s efforts to maintain relations with the United States, India and China. He said Washington does not want Bangladesh to be forced to choose one side over another. At the same time, he said Bangladesh should make careful decisions regarding sensitive sectors, including critical infrastructure and telecommunications. The United States, he said, wants to help Bangladesh protect its sovereignty and systems while providing alternatives in strategically sensitive areas.

“We’re not saying you have to choose between this or that. We want to provide alternatives for these countries, particularly in their sensitive sectors,” the official said.

U.S. monitoring Imran Khan’s situation

The briefing also included a question about former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. The U.S. official said Washington is closely monitoring developments surrounding Khan’s legal cases and health situation. However, the official said U.S. involvement in the matter remains primarily limited to monitoring developments.