Amid mounting political tensions in Bangladesh, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has made serious allegations against Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, claiming he is 'selling the country to the United States.' In her remarks, Hasina drew attention to St Martin’s Island, a strategic location in the Bay of Bengal.
St Martin's Island, situated nine kilometers south of Bangladesh’s southernmost tip, is the nation's only coral island, home to about 3,800 residents. This small atoll has not only become a popular tourism destination but also holds significant geopolitical importance.
Hasina’s attack on Yunus came shortly after he expressed intentions to resign from the interim government. She suggested Yunus was collaborating with extremist groups and pointedly referred to her father's legacy, asserting that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was killed for his refusal to hand over St Martin’s Island to the US. 'When America wanted St Martin’s Island, my father did not agree,' Hasina stated. 'He lost his life because he stood against it.' The mention of St Martin’s Island in this context has raised questions about its true significance in the ongoing political crisis.
Historically, St Martin’s was once part of the Teknaf peninsula. It was named by Arab merchants and later renamed during British rule. Following the partition of India in 1947, it became part of Pakistan and was incorporated into Bangladesh after the 1971 Liberation War.
Strategically, St Martin’s Island is critical for overseeing naval movements in the Bay of Bengal, especially as China's influence in the region grows. Experts suggest that a military presence on the island would enhance surveillance capabilities for any nation controlling it, while also providing access to crucial maritime trade routes and natural resources.
There have long been rumors concerning US interest in the island. In 1971, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman reportedly resisted US pressures to construct a military base there. Additionally, allegations surfaced alleging that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party had considered ceding the island for military support.
In conclusion, St Martin’s Island remains a focal point in Bangladesh’s political landscape, symbolizing not only national pride but also international strategic interests.
