Even as tensions persist between Bangladesh Army chief General Waker-uz-Zaman and National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman regarding assistance to Myanmar’s Rakhine State, American Chargé d’Affaires in Dhaka, Tracey Ann Jacobson, departed for the United States for consultations on May 22, as reported by Northeast News. Jacobson boarded a Qatar Airways flight to Doha that took off from Dhaka’s Shah Jalal International Airport at 4 a.m., shortly after Yunus held an extended meeting with leaders of the National Citizens’ Party and key advisers.
Jacobson was actively involved on May 11 when Yunus canceled General Waker-uz-Zaman’s planned visit to Honolulu, Hawaii. On that same day, a series of rapidly developing events unfolded, specifically involving the Principal Staff Officer in the Armed Forces Division, Lieutenant General Kamrul Hassan. Northeast News previously noted that Lt Gen Hassan made a mysterious decision and rushed to meet Jacobson at the U.S. embassy in Dhaka’s Baridhara neighborhood, where he reportedly met with her for nearly two hours.
Following this encounter, General Zaman sought to remove Hassan from his position, although this decision was allegedly blocked by Yunus and Rahman. Since then, Lt Gen Hassan has adopted a low profile but is not under any formal restrictions by the Army. He reportedly attended his office on May 22, despite the possibility of being under surveillance.
Jacobson’s departure from Dhaka at this crucial moment may reflect an assessment of the shifting political and security landscape in Bangladesh. Her trip to the U.S. could involve consultations with State Department and security officials. Importantly, these discussions may aim to gauge General Zaman’s stance ahead of his upcoming visit to China at the end of June.
The Bangladesh Army has been actively pursuing military hardware purchases from China, potentially consolidating its position. General Zaman’s China visit will be his first since assuming the role of Army chief in June 2024. A recent assessment by the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency, led by its Director, Lt Gen Jeffrey Kruse, suggests that China may be considering establishing military facilities for the People’s Liberation Army in various countries, including Bangladesh, Myanmar, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
Original Source: https://nenews.in/neighbours/is-jacobson-us-charge-daffaires-in-dhaka-back-home-for-consultations-on-bangladesh-myanmar/25959/
Category: Neighbours,American Chargé d’Affaires,Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman,Bangladesh,Tracey Ann Jacobson
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Publish Date: 2025-05-25 19:41:00
