What has St. Martin's Island, a small island in Bay of Bengal to do with the political crisis in Bangladesh?

It is spread across an area of only 3 square kilometers and is home to some 3,700 inhabitants whose primary livelihood is fishing. But St. Martin's Island, the small, seemingly insignificant island in the Bay of Bengal, has been thrust into the spotlight following the ongoing political crisis in Bangladesh.

Sheikh Hasina's alleged claim

It all began with speculations about the content of the ousted Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's undelivered speech before she was forced to step down and flee the country.

CREDIT: AFP

Hasina reportedly hinted that she had to resign due to the lack of international support and that the US would have sided with her on one condition.

According to Hasina, if she had handed over St. Martin's Island to the US, she could have remained in power, a claim that has been denied by Washington.

CREDIT: WIKIMEDIA

US denies allegations

The White House on Monday strongly refuted allegations that the United States interfered in the internal affairs of Bangladesh.

¡°We have had no involvement at all. Any reports or rumours that the United States government was involved in these events are simply false. That is not true,¡± White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said while responding to media reports claiming that Hasina could have stayed in power if she had surrendered the sovereignty of St. Martin's Island to the US.

CREDIT: UNDP

How St. Martin's Island became political

This is not the first time alleged US interest in St. Martin's Island has rocked Bangladesh politics. Earlier this year, it was alleged that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, had planned to sell it to the United States for the construction of a military base in exchange for electoral support.

Also read: Who is Muhammad Yunus and why protesters want him to be the interim Prime Minister of Bangladesh

CREDIT: WIKIMEDIA

Why US may want St Martin's Island

Strategically located in the Bay of Bengal, close to mainland Bangladesh and Myanmar, US interest in St. Martin's Island stems from its proximity to China.

Map of Saint Martin Island, Bangladesh. The solely coral island located 9km away from the mainland, offers multifaceted activities like fishing, scuba diving, kayaking, swimming for national and international tourists.
Map designed by: Sourav Karamakar @GemMsc#30DayMapChallenge pic.twitter.com/wkJvF35VN5

¡ª Abdullah Toqeer (@Abbi_786) November 19, 2021

Any move by the US, including establishing a military base on St. Martin's Island, would give Washington an advantage in its geopolitical tussle with China, something Beijing would want to avoid at any cost.

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