“This decision suggests Washington's patience has run out with Bangladesh, and that it will no longer ignore its worsening human rights record. It's a major reputational blow for Dhaka, not just because a key security force was sanctioned, but because it now finds itself in the company of China, North Korea, and Myanmar--the other country whose individuals and entities were sanctioned by Treasury. That's not good company to be in."
“It's a decision that will certainly prompt allegations of selectivity and hypocrisy, given that security forces in Pakistan and India have also committed major human rights abuses."
“Ultimately, this suggests to me that Washington has concluded that its interests no longer require it to hold back from sanctioning Bangladesh, and taking punitive steps more broadly. That's not a good sign for US-Bangladesh relations."
“The decision could backfire for US interests, though. If the Biden administration opts for less engagement with Bangladesh and takes a more hostile position, this could push Dhaka into the arms of Beijing, which has already been deepening its influence in Bangladesh through infrastructure investments.”