Despite many overlapping interests and cultural ties, relations between Bangladesh and the United States continue to be negatively impacted by the persecution of Professor Yunus and his colleagues by his own government, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Many of the tensions remain below the surface and are expressed only in private diplomatic interactions. But occasionally they surface in public. One recent example was the announcement by Senator Dick Durbin, the second ranking Democrat in the U.S. Senate, that he had met the Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States and emphasized the importance of justice for Professor Yunus.
His office issued a strong statement, which included this direct quote from Senator Durbin after the meeting: “The United States values its longstanding relationship with Bangladesh, and I appreciate its early help to Rohingya refugees fleeing violence in Burma. But a failure to end this seemingly personal vendetta against Muhammad Yunus will negatively impact that partnership. As such, in today’s meeting with Mr. Imran, I again called for an end to the harassment of Professor Yunus.”
This statement also appeared with a photo on Twitter.
It is interesting to contemplate how easy it would be for the Prime Minister to improve relations with America by taking the simple step of treating Professor Yunus respectfully and justly. Based on the growing number of people in her government who quietly express their embarrassment about her treatment of Professor Yunus to us, it might also help the PM stabilize support within her own party.
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