Washington, Jan 28 (NationPress) Concerns are mounting regarding the upcoming elections in Bangladesh as the US's involvement wanes and support for democracy diminishes, leading to worries about the nation's political stability, which has significant implications for India’s security landscape, a senior US legislator indicated.

Mark Warner, the chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, shared in an exclusive interview with IANS that he is unable to ascertain whether the elections scheduled for February 12 will be free and fair. “I do not know,” he stated when queried about the elections' credibility.

Warner noted that the US's influence has lessened on the ground. “With the dismantling of American soft power and USAID… we don’t have the same connections now that we had,” he referred to the cessation of USAID by the Trump Administration.

He expressed that there was initial optimism following the political transition in Bangladesh. “We were all hopeful… after the revolution,” Warner remarked, alluding to the advent of Mohammad Yunus as a temporary caretaker.

However, he mentioned that this optimism has dissipated. “The young people in Bangladesh are finding it’s harder to govern,” he stated.

Warner warned that regional dynamics could further exacerbate the situation. “I’m not sure how much resentment on the Bangladesh side, because I believe the former prime minister has still sought refuge… in India,” he commented.

Despite the prevailing uncertainty, he expressed hope that the electoral process would remain democratic. “I’m hopeful for free elections in Bangladesh,” he responded to a query.

Warner pointed out that Bangladesh is grappling with multiple challenges beyond the political sphere. He highlighted poverty, economic strain, and environmental threats as ongoing issues.

Addressing concerns regarding extremism, Warner advised against making broad generalizations. “We’ve not seen the radical Islamic ideology appear too much in Bangladesh,” he observed, emphasizing that isolated incidents should not dictate the country’s trajectory.

He positioned Bangladesh within the broader context of India’s security framework, stating, “India lives in a dangerous neighborhood.”

Warner identified challenges not only within Bangladesh but also in Myanmar and Pakistan. He noted that instability in the region poses long-term risks for India.

He remarked that the decline in US development assistance carries strategic implications. “America’s power came not just through its military and business,” he explained.

For many years, he noted, US influence also stemmed from development and democracy-promotion efforts. “Soft power on how you assist economic development and democracy-building” has been crucial, he added.

Warner indicated that reductions in these programs have diminished US leverage in countries like Bangladesh and warned that lapses in engagement could arise during critical political transitions.

He underscored the necessity of sustained international involvement. Warner argued that democratic institutions require long-term support, rather than sporadic focus.

Current developments in Bangladesh, he asserted, also intersect with broader geopolitical rivalries in South Asia.

Bangladesh has experienced significant political transformations in recent years, with its elections closely monitored by neighboring countries and global partners.

For India, maintaining stability in Bangladesh is crucial, given their extensive border, robust trade relations, and shared security concerns related to migration and regional power dynamics.