US Skips Bangladesh in Biden-Modi Call, Raising Speculation
US President Joe Biden called Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, August 26, after his historic visit to Ukraine last week. The conflict in Ukraine and the situation in Bangladesh, where former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was overthrown and replaced by an interim administration, were topics of conversation between the two leaders. But following the Biden-Modi call, the White House published a readout that left out Bangladesh, which sparked rumors on social media.
"They (PM Modi and Biden) emphasised the restoration of law and order and ensuring safety and security of the minorities, particularly Hindus, in Bangladesh," according to the MEA statement.
However, the White House version was limited to discussing Ukraine.
"The President commended the Prime Minister for his historic visits to Poland and Ukraine, the first by an Indian prime minister in decades, and for his message of peace and ongoing humanitarian support for Ukraine, including its energy sector," it said.
Regarding the Bangladesh crisis—which began with widespread student protests and resulted in Sheikh Hasina's removal from office and the creation of an interim government led by Muhammad Yunus—the US has abstained from making any statements.
Some have accused the US of orchestrating a virtual coup in Dhaka during this crisis, citing disagreements between the Hasina government and Washington in recent months. The dismissed prime minister was cited in the media as saying that she was under pressure from the US to approve the construction of a naval installation on St. Martin's Island. But Hasina's son then said that his mother never said these things.
Now, some on the internet are accusing Washington of covertly meddling in Dhaka issues due to Washington's startling silence on the Bangladesh issue.
On X, a user commented, "It's not neglecting; it's ignoring for convenience." A second said, "Will obviously neglect whatever they're responsible for."
SOURCE: WIONEWS