US role in 1/11 was strategic mistake: Ex-diplomat

Former US ambassador to Bangladesh William B Milam today said the US intervention in Bangladesh's 1/11 political crisis during 2007-08 was a strategic mistake.

Speaking at a discussion, he acknowledged the challenges of accessing reliable information while serving in a diplomatic capacity and emphasised the complexity of diplomacy in such environments.

Milam highlighted that societies have the capacity to transition from autocracy to democracy, referencing his extensive writings on Bangladesh's democratic struggles during the previous regime.

Regarding US foreign policy shifts, he remarked that the Trump administration marked a significant change in diplomatic approach, making it difficult to predict future engagements with Bangladesh.

Former US diplomat Jon F Danilowicz underscored the United States' historical relationship with Bangladesh, acknowledging past missteps, particularly during the 1971 Liberation War.

He stressed the need for political accountability in Bangladesh and recognised the military's role in maintaining stability amid a sometimes fragile civil administration.

Commenting on the current landscape, Danilowicz noted that Bangladesh is engaged in an ongoing information war and warned that the country is losing ground in this critical domain.

Looking ahead, he expressed hope that Bangladesh would adopt a "Bangladesh First" policy, prioritising national interests in governance and diplomacy.

Danilowicz also said Trump's statement about the US fund to specific individuals in Bangladesh was also disinformation by the people who want to destabilise the relationship between the two countries.

The Centre for Governance Studies hosted the special discussion, titled "In Conversation with Milam & Jon, A New Dawn in Dhaka: Navigating the Dynamics of Bangladesh–US Relations After the Mass Uprising" at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) Auditorium.

Zillur Rahman, executive director of the Centre for Governance Studies, moderated the event.

Diplomats from various foreign missions in Bangladesh, politicians, academicians, business leaders, representatives from international NGOs, civil society members, media professionals, and university students attended the event.

Zillur reaffirmed the importance of initiatives that promote good governance, emphasising that discussions like this are vital in navigating Bangladesh's transitional political landscape.

He stressed the need for continued dialogue to support the country's democratic journey and ensure a sustainable and accountable governance framework.