‘Ignoring for convenience’: Speculations rife as US skips ‘Bangladesh’ in readout after Biden-Modi call

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (Aug 26) received a phone call from United StatesPresident Joe Biden following his historic visit to Ukraine last week. The two leaders discussed the war inUkraine as well as the Bangladesh crisis, where an interim government has just taken charge following the ouster of ex-PM Sheikh Hasina. However, a readout released by the White House after the Biden-Modi call omitted mention of Bangladesh, fuelling speculations on social media.

India’s press release mentioned Bangladesh

A press release issued by India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) did mention the ‘Bangladesh situation’.

"They (PM Modi and Biden) emphasised the restoration of law and order and ensuring safety and security of the minorities, particularly Hindus, in Bangladesh," the MEA statement said.

But the one issued by the White House focused exclusively on Ukraine.

"The President commended the Prime Minister for his historic visits to Poland and Ukraine, the first by an Indian prime minister in decades, and for his message of peace and ongoing humanitarian support for Ukraine, including its energy sector," it said.

USA’s striking silence on Bangladesh

The US has refrained from issuing any statement on the Bangladesh crisis, which started off with massive student protests and culminated in the ouster of Sheikh Hasina and the subsequent installation of Muhammad Yunus-led interim government.

Amidst this crisis, some have blamed the US for staging a virtual coup in Dhaka as the Hasina government was at odds with Washingtonover the past months. Meanwhile, media reports emerged which quoted the deposed PM as accusing the US of pressuring her to allow the establishment of a naval base on St Martin's Island. However, Hasina’s son later claimed that these remarks were never passed by his mother.

Watch:Bangladesh protests: Over 40 injured in Bangladesh violence

Now, the USA’s striking silence on the Bangladesh crisis has once again fuelled speculations online, with some accusing Washingtonof silently interfering in Dhaka affairs.

“It is not neglecting; It is ignoring for convenience,” one user said on X. “Will obviously neglect whatever they're responsible for,” a second commented.

(With inputs from agencies)