Bangladesh's Diplomatic Balancing Act
Insights from US Analyst Michael Kugelman
Balance in Bangladesh: Insights from Kugelman
Michael Kugelman, the South Asia director at the Wilson Center in Washington DC, highlights Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's adept diplomatic finesse in balancing relations with superpowers.
"This is a country that, much like India, has showed a strong capacity to balance rivalries instead of succumb to them," he stated, emphasizing Bangladesh's ability to navigate international relations.
"Bangladesh won't be forced to choose a side and will be able to balance between the superpowers quite well," Kugelman affirms.
Kugelman notes that Bangladesh is successfully "reaping the benefits of great power competition" in its relationship with China and India. "Its economic and defense ties with Beijing have grown significantly in recent years," he added.
The government, citing international observers, asserts that the 12th National Parliament election of Bangladesh was held on January 7 in a free, fair, transparent, festive atmosphere with large participation of the people.
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