Sheikh Hasina’s Claims on St Martin’s Island: US Involvement?

All About St Martin’s Island and Sheikh Hasina’s Claims

Introduction

St Martin’s Island, Bangladesh’s sole coral island, has recently come into the spotlight due to an undelivered speech by Sheikh Hasina. In her speech, Hasina alleged that the United States played a role in her political downfall due to her refusal to cede the island to them. This article explores the significance of St Martin’s Island, the history behind it, and the geopolitical implications of the US’s alleged interest in it.

Location and Significance

St Martin’s Island is situated in the northeastern part of the Bay of Bengal. It lies approximately nine kilometers south of Bangladesh’s southernmost peninsula, Cox’s Bazar-Teknaf, near Myanmar. Covering just three square kilometers, it is home to around 3,700 residents who primarily engage in fishing, rice cultivation, and coconut farming.

The island gained recent attention due to allegations that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, planned to sell it to the US to establish a military base in exchange for electoral support. These allegations were dismissed by the US State Department, which reiterated its commitment to respecting Bangladesh’s sovereignty and promoting democratic values.

Historical Context

St Martin’s Island, also known as ‘Narikel Jinjira’ or Coconut Island, has a rich historical background. Originally part of the Teknaf peninsula, it became an island due to the submergence of part of the peninsula. Settled by Arabian merchants in the 18th century, it was named ‘Jazira’ and later ‘Saint Martin’ by a British land survey team in 1900. After the Partition of 1947, it fell under Pakistani control before becoming part of Bangladesh in 1971 following the Liberation War.

In 1974, Bangladesh and Myanmar agreed on the island’s Bangladeshi ownership. However, maritime boundary issues with Myanmar have persisted, leading to detentions and warnings from Myanmar’s naval forces. The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) confirmed Bangladesh’s sovereignty over the island in 2012.

Current Issues and Geopolitical Implications

The influx of Rohingya refugees into Bangladesh due to Myanmar’s military crackdown in 2017 has added to the region’s complexities. With Cox’s Bazar near St Martin’s Island, reports have surfaced about the Arakan Army’s interest in the island, though Bangladesh denies these claims.

St Martin’s Island’s strategic location near the Bay of Bengal has attracted international interest. Sheikh Hasina’s speech accused the US of attempting to acquire the island for a military base in exchange for electoral aid to the BNP. This claim was refuted by US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, who emphasized that there were no discussions about taking over the island.

The allegations emerged amid speculation that the US was seeking to counter China’s growing influence in South Asia. This geopolitical tension reflects the broader strategic significance of the region, particularly in relation to maritime disputes in the South China Sea.

Conclusion

St Martin’s Island remains a focal point in Bangladesh’s political and geopolitical landscape. Sheikh Hasina’s claims have stirred discussions about international interests and sovereignty, highlighting the island’s strategic importance in regional politics.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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