As Bangladesh grapples with one of the most volatile political transitions in its recent history, a tiny coral island in the Bay of Bengal has suddenly re-entered the national discourse, triggering debates on sovereignty, foreign interests, and power struggles. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has accused interim government head Muhammad Yunus of “selling the country to the United States,” while evoking the emotionally charged legacy of her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who she claims was assassinated for refusing to cede the strategic St Martin’s Island to the Americans.
These allegations come just days after Yunus expressed his desire to resign amid growing unrest, and Hasina continues to mount her attack from exile. Her latest salvo on Facebook has reignited both political and geopolitical interest in St Martin’s Island — a largely tourist-centric outpost with enormous strategic value.
Hasina’s Explosive Facebook Post
In a strongly worded Facebook statement on May 25, Hasina claimed:
“When America wanted St Martin’s Island, my father did not agree. He had to give his life. And that was my destiny. Because I never had the thought of selling the country to stay in power.”
She went on to allege that Nobel laureate Yunus had risen to power with backing from militant groups, releasing banned extremists and ushering in what she called a “reign of militants.” According to Hasina, Yunus is reversing years of security progress made under her government.
This isn’t the first time St Martin’s Island has found itself at the center of such controversy. Similar claims had circulated after Hasina fled Bangladesh in August 2024 during violent anti-government protests. A letter, allegedly written by her, claimed she could have remained in power if she had agreed to cede the island and Bay of Bengal territory to American interests.
Why is St Martin’s Island So Important?
St Martin’s Island is a small coral island situated roughly 9 km south of Bangladesh’s southernmost peninsula, Teknaf, close to the Myanmar border. It is the country’s only coral island and has a modest population of around 3,800 people. Despite its size, its location gives it immense strategic weight.
From a security standpoint, the island offers a commanding view of the northeastern Bay of Bengal. In an age of expanding Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean, control over such maritime outposts becomes vital. Military analysts say any nation with a base on the island would have significant surveillance and naval leverage over critical sea lanes that fuel global trade.
Moreover, the proximity of St Martin’s to regional flashpoints — including Myanmar’s Rakhine state — adds to its relevance. For the United States, a foothold here would enhance its Indo-Pacific strategic posture, especially given its efforts to counter China’s naval ambitions.
The Long History of Foreign Interest
Rumors of U.S. interest in St Martin’s Island are not new. As far back as 1971, reports suggested that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman resisted pressure from Washington to allow the establishment of a military base on the island. His refusal, according to Hasina, cost him his life.
In later years, there were also allegations that Khaleda Zia’s BNP considered ceding the island in exchange for political support from Washington. While these remain unverified, the persistence of such claims points to an enduring suspicion within Bangladeshi politics regarding external interference in its strategic assets.
A Deepening Political Crisis
The accusations from Hasina come at a critical time. The interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, was supposed to restore stability following months of unrest. However, Hasina’s fiery rhetoric, combined with continuing protests and rising militant activity, has raised questions about the country’s direction.
While Yunus is globally admired for his work in microfinance, critics argue that his political inexperience and reliance on fragile coalitions have made him vulnerable to accusations of foreign manipulation.
As the political narrative in Bangladesh becomes increasingly driven by questions of sovereignty, nationalism, and historical memory, the future of St Martin’s Island — both symbolic and strategic — hangs in the balance.
