US Diplomat Audio Sparks Bangladesh Political Controversy

The Washington Post has obtained an audio recording of a conversation between a US diplomat and several female journalists, in which the diplomat is heard claiming that Bangladesh is increasingly leaning toward political Islam and that Jamaat-e-Islami is likely to secure its highest-ever number of seats in the upcoming national election.

In the audio, the Dhaka-based US diplomat is heard saying that, given the situation, the United States wants to build friendly relations with Jamaat-e-Islami. He also asks the journalists whether they would consider inviting leaders of Islami Chhatra Shibir to television talk shows.

The diplomat further expresses the view that Jamaat-e-Islami would not implement Sharia law. However, he warns that if Sharia law were imposed—particularly if women were restricted from working more than five hours a day—the United States would stop placing garment orders in Bangladesh.

“Without orders, Bangladesh’s economy would not survive,” the diplomat is heard saying. He also mentions that many highly educated individuals studying at US universities would be informed about the consequences of implementing Sharia law. He additionally refers to the possibility of imposing tariffs on Bangladesh’s garment industry.

The Washington Post published the report on Thursday.

When contacted about the matter, US Embassy spokesperson in Dhaka, Monica Shi, acknowledged that the discussion took place. She said the conversation occurred in December as part of regular meetings where US embassy officials engage with Bangladeshi journalists, adding that such discussions are generally not made public.

However, Shi emphasized that the United States does not support any specific political party and is prepared to work with whichever government is elected through the will of the people.

Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami spokesperson Mohammad Rahman said the party does not comment publicly on private diplomatic meetings. He confirmed that Jamaat representatives held four meetings with US officials in Washington following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, as well as several meetings in Dhaka.

He also said that Jamaat held a virtual meeting with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer last Friday.