As a high-level US delegation is visiting Bangladesh from September 14 to 15, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to set a concrete working relationship with the post-revolution interim government and the people.
Bangladesh has undergone a seismic geo-political shift last August, as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina — whose 15-year iron rule included alleged theft in the billions, mass arrests, enforced disappearances, and killings — fled to India in the face of massive protests, leaving the new government to rebuild institutions and the economy. It’s no secret that the US government had a frosty relationship with the past ruler, and these are a few policy prescriptions for the State Department as they seek a restart with Dhaka:
Healing July damage
Provide financial assistance in treating the approximately 17,000 who have been severely injured during the lethal protests, including more than 400 who were blinded due to metal pellets fired by security forces. This is a lifelong scar of the revolution, and they deserve proper medical treatment. Healing these protestors’ mental and physical health will bring great dividends among this population. They were at the forefront of the revolution, and will likely have a significant political presence in the nation’s future
Making the case
Build the nation’s capacity to investigate and prosecute the worst massacre since its independence in 1971. The US is already assisting Bangladesh establish prosecutorial service to enable fair trials, and should jointly create a roadmap where all proper legal proceedings are addressed. As Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal is seeking a trial against the former ruler, rock-solid evidence must be presented for a conviction that will not be questioned in the future as being politically biased.
Operation clawback
Help return national funds looted by the previous government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is collaborating with Bangladesh's Anti-Corruption Commission to retrieve $8.37 billion allegedly smuggled out of the nation during the last government's tenure. The former prime minister's son and Information and Communication Technology Affairs adviser, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, resides in the US and is accused, among other things, of embezzling public funds from a Russian nuclear power plant project. The FBI already has a suspicious activities report on this former official. If there is sufficient evidence, the Department of Justice should pursue seizing his assets in the US and transferring these to the government of Bangladesh. This high-profile case will bring tremendous satisfaction to the Bangladeshi citizenry, where the former prime minister’s family is seen as treating the nation as their inheritance.
Sanctions
Issue sanctions against all top-level Awami League party leaders, including advisers, and security officials who carried out the massacre of protestors. The US has previously blacklisted former Bangladesh Army Chief General Aziz for his significant corruption. The same should be designated for the aforementioned individuals and their immediate family members, so that they are ineligible for entry into the US. These individuals committed crimes against humanity, and should not be afforded refuge.
BCL terror
Declare the former ruling party’s student wing as a terrorist organization. Bangladesh Chhatra League wreaked havoc across university campuses for 15 years, assaulting and terrorizing the students, culminating in the massacre of protestors using live ammunition. This group has been recorded assaulting dissenters against the former regime, and is the very definition of a terrorist group. This designation will serve as a deterrent for anyone who wants to form an illegal militant group masquerading as a political party.
The people of Bangladesh are eagerly awaiting a new dawn — massive sacrifices have been made by the student-led protestors, leading to this day. At this inflection point, any good gesture by the world’s sole superpower will have long-term benefits, as Bangladeshis are forming a new national narrative as we speak. A museum will replace the erstwhile ruler’s official residence, and there are discussions on reforming the constitution. After an act of revolution, the people want to see who is standing with them, and this is the time to show Bangladesh that the US is here as a partner for a “secure and prosperous future.”
Tamim Choudhury is a public affairs specialist at a Washington, DC-based international volunteer agency.
