Bangladesh

US denies plans to take over St. Martin island St Martin
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US denies plans to take over St. Martin island

Bangladesh Live News | @banglalivenews | 28 Jun 2023, 12:42 pm

Dhaka, June 28: The US State Department said that there was never any discussion with Bangladesh about taking Saint Martin Island. Spokesman Matthew Miller said this when questioned at the State Department's regular press briefing on Monday local time.

A questioner asked Matthew Miller, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a recent press conference alleged that the US wanted to take the country's important island of St. Martin and the BNP wanted to sell the island to the US. Attempts are being made to oust him for not giving it. Does the US really want to take over this tiny island or is it being spread by the ruling elite? Why is the island of Saint Martin important?

In response to this, Matthew Miller said, "I will just say, this information is not correct. We respect the sovereignty of Bangladesh and we have never discussed taking St. Martin Island. We value our partnership with Bangladesh. We are trying to strengthen this relationship by working together to establish democracy, including supporting free and fair elections."

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said in a press conference organized on her visit to Qatar and Switzerland on June 21, "I can say this much, I am the daughter of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib, we do not want to come to power by selling any wealth of this country to anyone. In 2001, I could have stayed in power if I had guaranteed the sale of gas. And yet if I say, that Saint Martin island or our country will be leased to someone, then we have no difficulty in staying in power. I know that. But that won't happen by me."

But he did not say anything in detail about who would not have difficulty staying in power if leased. However, Sheikh Hasina said in a press conference pointing to the United States, "How did the BNP come to power in 2001? At that time, he came to power with the promise of selling gas. So now they will sell the country? Or want to come with a bond to sell the island of Saint Martin?"

Recently, some media in Bangladesh have published news that America wants 'St. Martin Island' from Bangladesh and that is why they are putting pressure on the government in various ways regarding the upcoming elections.