There is something uniquely reckless about waging political war on your own country’s foreign relations while enjoying the protections of another’s. Sajeeb Wazed Joy has been doing exactly that. Sitting comfortably in the United States, the son of Bangladesh’s former prime minister has taken to public forums to smear Washington, insult its institutions, and poison a bilateral relationship that—after years of strain—is finally showing signs of repair.

It would be bad enough if this were merely bombast. It is worse because it is strategic vandalism.

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Calling the Bangladesh Nationalist Party an “American puppet”, warning darkly of Jamaat-e-Islami’s looming takeover, alleging a “pre-determined” election outcome, and urging international condemnation of Bangladesh’s polls—these are not the words of a responsible political actor. They are the words of a man trying to internationalise his party’s domestic failures, even if it means burning bridges Dhaka needs to cross.

Start with the timing. U.S.–Bangladesh relations are, quietly but unmistakably, improving. Military-to-military engagement has stabilised. Dialogue with major political parties has widened. Washington’s posture towards Dhaka has shifted from punitive suspicion to conditional engagement. This is not idealism; it is geopolitics. The Bay of Bengal matters. Bangladesh matters. And after a bruising period of mistrust, both sides appear willing to reset.

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Enter Joy, stage left, with a flamethrower.

From American soil, he denounces American influence. He sneers at U.S. diplomacy. He frames Bangladesh’s opposition as Washington’s marionettes. He insinuates that terrorists roam freely and elections are rigged beyond redemption. None of this........

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