Washington Post claims India pressured US to shield ousted Bangladesh PM Hasina from sanctions

US mulled sanctions over imprisonment of political rivals, suppression of freedom of expression, human rights abuses

The Washington Post on Friday reported that India exerted pressure on the United States to prevent sanctions against ousted Bangladesh's Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, amid allegations of human rights violations.

According to the report, the US was considering imposing sanctions on Hasina over the imprisonment of political rivals, suppression of freedom of expression, and other human rights abuses in Bangladesh.

US diplomats had previously criticised Hasina for barring opposition candidates from participating in the recent elections.

Tensions escalated when Hasina accused the US of attempting to overthrow her government, prompting US senators to urge President Joe Biden to impose sanctions on her administration.

However, India intervened at high-level meetings, appealing to the US not to impose sanctions on Hasina. The report suggests that Indian officials requested leniency towards her, highlighting the strategic importance of Bangladesh to India.

Speaking to the Washington Post under the condition of anonymity, an Indian official stated that they had made it clear to US authorities that the situation in Bangladesh was of significant importance to India.

The official emphasised that without consensus on strategic issues, the US could not regard India as a strategic partner.