Bangladesh’s Turbulent Summer: CIA Foul Play Allegations Surface Amidst Political Crisis
2 min read
In a dramatic sequence of events that has plunged Bangladesh into political turmoil, new allegations suggest potential CIA involvement in the country’s recent upheaval. The unfolding crisis has seen a series of high-stakes developments, culminating in the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the establishment of an interim government.
The turmoil began on May 23, when Sheikh Hasina claimed that a ‘White Man’ had made an offer to her, proposing that if she permitted a certain country to establish a military airbase in Bangladesh, she would face no further problems. This allegation introduced an element of international intrigue into the domestic crisis.
On June 5, the Bangladesh High Court ruled that the government’s 2018 notification, which had canceled reservations in government jobs, was illegal, leading to widespread protests. Thousands of students took to the streets on July 1, demanding the restoration of these reservations. The protests turned violent on July 16, resulting in clashes with security forces, tear gas shelling, rubber bullet firing, and a ten-day internet shutdown.
The situation appeared to stabilize after the Supreme Court’s July 21 decision to scale back the quota system from 30% to 5%. However, unrest resurfaced when former Army Chief General Ikbal Karim Bhuiyan called for the withdrawal of troops and condemned the violence during the protests. Army Chief Waker-uz-Zaman also voiced support for the protestors, emphasizing the armed forces’ allegiance to the people.
On August 5, the political landscape shifted dramatically with the announcement of the ‘Long March to Dhaka,’ as anti-government protestors demanded Sheikh Hasina’s resignation. That same day, the Army Chief issued an ultimatum to Hasina, demanding her resignation within 45 minutes. Under immense pressure, Hasina resigned and fled the country, initially seeking asylum in the UK and Finland but ultimately remaining in India.
Hasina’s departure has been attributed to her administration’s significant stagnation and the issues surrounding “Quota and Reservations” in government jobs, despite the Supreme Court’s intervention. The accusations of unfair elections, corruption, and arrogance further tarnished her legacy.
Amidst these developments, the US State Department’s spokesperson welcomed the formation of the interim government. However, allegations of CIA involvement in orchestrating or influencing the political unrest have surfaced, adding a new layer of complexity to the situation. These claims suggest a possible external hand in the political crisis, although no concrete evidence has yet been presented.
As Bangladesh navigates this turbulent period, the international community remains closely watchful of the unfolding situation and the implications for regional stability. Stay tuned to NewsPlayers for ongoing updates and analysis on this developing story.
