Bangladesh: Background and U.S. Relations

Publication Date: August 2007

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Government

Type:

Coverage: Bangladesh

Abstract:

Bangladesh (the former East Pakistan) gained its independence in 1971, following India's intervention in a rebellion against West Pakistan (currently called Pakistan). Democratic elections in 1991 ended two decades of authoritarian rule in Dhaka. The Bangladesh National Party (BNP), which leads the ruling coalition, and the leading opposition party, the Awami League (AL), traditionally have dominated Bangladeshi politics. The BNP is led by Prime Minister Khaleda Zia while the AL is led by Sheikh Hasina. Bangladesh has been a largely moderate and democratic country. This status is increasingly under threat from a combination of political violence, weak governance, poverty, corruption, and rising Islamist militancy. When in opposition, both parties have sought to regain control of the government through demonstrations, labor strikes, and transport blockades.

Bangladesh is one of the poorer countries of the world. The largely agricultural economy suffers frequent and serious setbacks from cyclones and floods. While economic progress has been made, it has been impaired by rivalry between the two largest political parties. Bangladesh is a recipient of substantial foreign assistance from abroad. It is also thought to have large reserves of natural gas.

Political violence is on the rise in Bangladesh. Awami League Finance Minister A.M.S. Kibria and four others were killed in a bomb attack that also injured 70 at a political rally of the Awami League on January 27, 2005. On August 21, 2004, an apparent political assassination attempt on opposition leader Sheikh Hasina at a political rally in Dhaka killed 22. These two attacks, and widespread bombings on August 17, 2005, that claimed 26 lives and injured dozens others, are the most notable incidents in a rising tide of political violence in Bangladesh.

Some analysts are concerned that Islamist parties are gaining influence through the political process and that this is creating space for militant activities inside the country. Some allege that the presence in the ruling Bangladesh National Party (BNP) coalition government of two Islamist parties, the Islamiya Okiyya Jote (IOJ) and the Jamaat Islamiya, has expanded Islamist influence in Bangladesh. Some media reports indicate that elements of Al Qaeda fled to Bangladesh in the aftermath of the fall of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan.

U.S. policy toward Bangladesh emphasizes support for political stability and democracy; social and economic development; and improvement of human rights. The United States has long-standing supportive relations with Bangladesh and has viewed Bangladesh as a moderate voice in the Islamic world. This report will be updated.