• Source:JND
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Saint-Martin Island in the northeastern Bay of Bengal has become a global focal point following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government in Bangladesh. The ousted prime minister issued a statement on Sunday — the speech she intended to deliver before her forced resignation — suggesting that she might have stayed in power if she had surrendered Saint-Martin Island to the United States.

Recent reports have also indicated that the United States has been making efforts to acquire Saint-Martin Island to establish a naval base.

However, the US Department of State has denied any plans to take control of Saint-Martin Island or set up a military base there.

According to a report by the Dhaka Tribune, earlier in 2023, Dhaka MP Rashed Khan Menon claimed that the United States is pursuing Saint Martin's Island and that the new US visa policy is part of a scheme for “regime change”. He suggested that the US pressured Bangladesh to join the Quad Alliance and reportedly proposed leasing Saint Martin Island. Bangladesh firmly rejected those proposals and, in June 2023, openly condemned the idea during a meeting of the Awami League and the 14-party alliance.

Saint-Martin Island is located in the Bay of Bengal near the Bangladesh-Myanmar maritime boundary and is the southernmost point of Bangladesh. It is crucial for asserting Bangladesh’s maritime claims, including its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Why US Wants Saint Martin Island

The US aims to ensure stability in South Asia, especially in the Bay of Bengal, as part of its wider Indo-Pacific strategy. Given its location, Saint-Martin Island is significant to regional security, particularly in relation to China’s increasing influence in the Indian Ocean.

Several media reports have indicated that despite its small size, having a military base on Saint-Martin Island would offer significant strategic advantages, particularly in controlling the Strait of Malacca, which is heavily used by China for transportation.

The island would also serve as a potential threat to Cox's Bazar port in Bangladesh, which China is developing. Additionally, Saint-Martin Island could be used as an effective listening post for surveillance and monitoring activities not only from China and Myanmar but also from India.

Such a base could threaten Bangladesh’s sovereignty and strategic interests, potentially escalating regional tensions, especially with neighbouring India. 

Washington For Long Has Denied Any Interest In Island

Earlier in 2023, Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the US Department of State, stated that the United States has never considered taking control of Saint-Martin Island and has no such intentions.

The US has legitimate military connections with Bangladesh, including regular visits and joint exercises between their forces. 

However, Bangladesh has firmly opposed any US military plans to establish a naval base on Saint-Martin Island, as it would threaten its sovereignty and disrupt peace and stability in South Asia.