In an interview following his visit to Bangladesh, Ambassador Donald Lu, Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia at the U.S. State Department, addressed pressing issues surrounding democracy, human rights, and regional stability. His remarks dismissed concerns that U.S. policy might be influenced by an "Indian perspective" and reaffirmed Washington's commitment to upholding democratic values in Bangladesh. The interview stirred local discourse on the U.S.'s role, particularly regarding its support for a free, fair election process.

The National Democratic Institute (NDI) and the International Republican Institute (IRI) report on Bangladesh’s January 7 election examines the impact of the US-led approach to democracy in South Asia. The report claims the election was a “zero-sum” event that allowed the ruling Awami League to take control without opposition—a significant setback for democracy. The Biden administration’s response, along with its Indo-Pacific Strategy, is further analyzed in relation to China’s growing influence in Bangladesh. The piece explores Ambassador Peter Haas's reflection on the election and Washington's response to regional instability, making connections between US foreign policy, Bangladesh’s governance challenges, and the broader geopolitical landscape.

Bangladesh's public universities, once symbols of academic excellence, have been reduced to battlegrounds of toxic politics. The unholy alliances between the ruling party, student organizations, and faculty have eroded education, safety, and meritocracy, pushing these institutions toward a black hole of chaos and corruption.

In this analysis, Ambassador Serajul Islam examines the powerful role that India’s foreign policy and its unwavering support for Bangladesh's Awami League have played in shaping the outcomes of the January 7 election. Highlighting the UN’s principles on the security of small states, he explores how India’s strategic interests and influence on the US, EU, and UN have impacted democratic processes in Bangladesh, pushing the country closer to single-party rule. Ambassador Islam discusses the growing anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh, the rising "Boycott India" movement, and China’s quiet gains in the region. This piece offers a comprehensive look at the election’s role in reshaping Bangladesh’s foreign policy and its alliance with powerful neighbors.

The US Indo-Pacific Strategy faces significant setbacks in Bangladesh and Myanmar, with Bangladeshis now questioning the US commitment to democracy and human rights. Ambassador Peter Haas’s advocacy for fair elections in Bangladesh initially raised hopes among pro-democracy groups. However, the January 7 election—which saw minimal action from the US against alleged election irregularities—left many disillusioned. The Biden administration’s alignment with India as a key IPS partner is also scrutinized, as India’s focus on its own interests often counters regional democratic objectives. In Myanmar, US support has similarly faltered, with promised assistance to democratic forces remaining largely symbolic, while China’s influence grows stronger. These challenges highlight both strategic missteps and waning regional confidence in US commitments to its Indo-Pacific goals.