Martin’s Island, a small coral mainland in the Bay of Bengal, has come a geopolitical hotspot. Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina reportedly claimed that the US sought to acquire the island in exchange for political support, a claim her son has denied. positioned near pivotal maritime routes, the island offers implicit oversight of the region, making it a crucial asset in the power struggle between global titans like the US and China.
St. Martin’s Island, a three- square-kilometre stretch of land located in the northeastern part of the Bay of Bengal, has suddenly come a focal point in Bangladesh’s ongoing political fermentation. This small coral island is home to roughly 3,700 residers who are primarily engaged in fishing and husbandry.
The island's strategic position near Myanmar and its propinquity to vital maritime routes have piqued the interest of major global powers, particularly the United States.
What are the recent claims?
Sheikh Hasina, the lately ousted Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has reportedly made several bold claims regarding the United States’ interest in St. Martin’s Island. In a communication to her sympathizers, Hasina stated, “ I could have remained in power if I had surrendered the sovereignty of St. Martin Island and allowed America to hold sway over the Bay of Bengal. ”
This isn't the first time Hasina has suggested at the US’s interest in the islet. before this time, she claimed that “ a white man ” had offered her a smooth return to power in exchange for an airbase on St. Martin’s Island.
However,Hasina’s son Sajeeb Wazed refuted claims that his mother made any reflections about her resignation.He explosively dismissed the delicacy of a review report, labelling it as entirely untrue and fabricated.
Despite these assertions, the US State Department has categorically denied any similar conversations, with prophet Matthew Miller stating, “ We've noway engaged in any exchanges about taking over St. Martin’s Island. ”
What does St. Martin’s history tell us?
Martin’s Island, also known as Narikel Jinjira or Coconut Island, has a history that dates back to the 18th century when it was first settled by Arabian merchandisers who named it ‘ Jazira.’
The island was latterly included in British India in 1900 and named after a Christian clerk, Saint Martin. Following the Partition of 1947, the island became part of Pakistan, and latterly, Bangladesh after the Liberation War of 1971.
The island's status as Bangladeshi home was solidified by a 1974 agreement between Bangladesh and Myanmar, and latterly affirmed by the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea( ITLOS) in 2012, which recognised Bangladesh’s sovereignty over the island.
What's the strategic military significance of St. Martin’s island?
Martin’s Island holds significant strategic value, primarily due to its position near the Strait of Malacca, one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes. A military base on the islet would give any country with unequaled oversight of the Bay of Bengal, including surveillance of Chinese investments and conditioning in the region around the Strait of Malacca.
The island’s position also allows for the implicit monitoring of trade and military conditioning in the region, making it a largely coveted asset for global powers like the United States.
Does the island contribute to Bangladesh’s frugality?
Beyond its strategic military value, St. Martin’s Island is also a vital profitable and environmental asset for Bangladesh. The islet falls within Bangladesh’s Exclusive Economic Zone( EEZ), granting access to precious marine coffers similar as fish, oil painting, and gas.
Its coral reefs and different marine life, underscores the need for conservation sweats. also, the islet is a popular sightseer destination, attracting callers with its pristine strands and artistic heritage.
The island's unique ecosystem, including its coral reefs and different marine life, underscores the need for conservation sweats. also, the islet is a popular sightseer destination, attracting callers with its pristine strands and artistic heritage.
The affluence of deportees has raised enterprises about the island’s security, particularly with reports suggesting that members of the Arakan Army, a Myanmar- grounded insurrectionary group, are trying to stake a claim on the island.
What does the US hope to gain if it acquires St. Martin’s island?
The United States’ interest in St. Martin’s Island is perceived by some as part of a broader strategy to fight China’s influence in South Asia. The US has reportedly suggested that Bangladesh join the Quad alliance, and there have been unconfirmed reports that Washington proposed leasing the island for a military base.
However, these claims have been met with dubitation , with the US State Department constantly denying any intentions to acquire the island.“ We value our cooperation with Bangladesh, ” Miller stressed, adding that the US remains married to supporting republic and free choices in the country.
The implicit US accession of St. Martin’s Island has also sparked enterprises among Bangladesh’s neighbours, particularly India and China. A US military presence on the island could serve as a check on Chinese intentions in the region, particularly given China’s ongoing investments in the Belt and Road Initiative( BRI) through Bangladesh and Myanmar
Again, the island’s strategic position could also be used to cover and potentially disrupt Indian shipping in the Bay of Bengal.
While the United States has denied any plans to acquire the island, the geopolitical significance of St. Martin’s island can not be understated.
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