US allies worry over Bangladesh's shift towards autocracy

U.S. allies in the Indo-Pacific are concerned about Bangladesh's move toward autocracy. An anonymous senior official highlighted the rise of radical Islamic groups, like Hizb-ut-Tahrir, which despite being banned in 2009, held a recent rally in Dhaka. The allies are monitoring how India views the situation, as India's role is seen as vital for stability in South Asia. Bangladesh's Chief Adviser, Md Yunus, has strong ties with the U.S. but has struggled to connect with the Trump administration. His only notable conversation was with Elon Musk regarding business opportunities in Bangladesh. The U.S. State Department has expressed concerns about human rights practices in Bangladesh. The official mentioned worries over the government's handling of issues, fearing could lead to autocracy and unrest. The region is already facing instability due to crises in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Bangladesh's strategic location makes it important to the U.S. and its allies. However, since the exit of former leader Sheikh Hasina, the country has faced severe challenges, including violence, political crime, and economic distress. Yunus has lost support from both the public and political parties, who are pressing for elections. Tensions also exist between the military and Yunus's advisers as U.S. support has diminished under Trump.