Dhaka eyes on US election outcome to deepen future ties
Al Mamun Harun Ur Rashid :
As the United States approaches the final stages of its presidential election, Bangladeshi officials and analysts are closely monitoring the poll, hoping for an outcome that could strengthen bilateral relations.
With the election set for this Tuesday, both candidates – Kamala Harris from the Democratic Party and Donald Trump from the Republican Party – are making their final pushes to win voter support.
Dhaka is particularly interested in the candidates’ foreign policy stances to enhance ties with the US in areas such as trade, investment, and climate change.
International analysts in Dhaka highlight the significant contributions of the US to Bangladesh’s development over the years, particularly in sectors including climate change, health, and security cooperation.
They anticipate that Dhaka-Washington relations will strengthen in the coming days, regardless of who is elected.
However, recent remarks from Donald Trump on X (formerly Twitter) have raised concerns in Dhaka.
He stated, “I strongly condemn the barbaric violence against Hindus, Christians, and other minorities who are being attacked and looted by mobs in Bangladesh, which remains in a total state of chaos.”
In response to these comments, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said on Friday, “What Donald Trump thinks about the events in Bangladesh does matter.
He may soon become the leader of the free world. But our task is to tell our truth in the most transparent and compelling way possible.”
“From the onset, Professor Yunus’s strategy has been to invite foreign journalists, researchers, and experts to visit Bangladesh. Let them discover Bangladesh in their own way, for we are confident in our society, our people, and our country.
Yesterday, Netra News, the most respected investigative news outlet in Bangladesh, published an excellent piece of journalism that shattered some of the lies propagated by the umbrella minority group, the Bangladesh Hindu Buddha Christian Unity Council,” he added.
Trump’s remarks have dented sentiments in Dhaka, as Bangladesh has always hoped for a warm relationship with the US. Regarding Trump’s comments, Dr Amena Mohsin, a Professor in the Department of International Relations at the University of Dhaka, told The New Nation on Saturday, “His speech indicates that if Trump is elected, he would strengthen his relationship with India. He has called Modi a good friend.”
“If the Republicans come to power, India will be a factor. However, Bangladesh has its own geopolitical importance.
Additionally, we have a significant Bangladeshi diaspora in the US, many of whom hold prominent positions,” she said.
“Whoever comes to power in the US, Bangladesh will always remain central to the South Asian context. Moreover, China is a factor in this region,” the professor added.
Meanwhile, Shafiqul Alam emphasised that the existing ties between Dhaka and Washington would not be affected by the election results.
“Dr. Yunus has friends in both the Democratic and Republican parties. I believe there will be no impact on Bangladesh.
The current positive relationship will reach new heights,” he stated while serving as the chief guest at a debate on the implications of the US elections for Bangladesh, held on Saturday.
“Professor Yunus is a global leader. Therefore, whether Kamala Harris or Donald Trump wins the US election, there will be no challenge to our relationship,” he added.
Speaking about the upcoming US election results, Standing Committee member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Salahuddin Ahmed told The New Nation, “The US election is considered fair.
Whoever comes to power, we want to see the US work for humanity, equality, and security around the globe.”
Regarding Bangladesh-US relations, he said, “We expect that the next US President will foster good relations with Bangladesh in the areas of trade, diplomacy, and political relations.”
The Dhaka-Washington relationship has always been crucial but has gained remarkable significance ahead of the 12th parliamentary election, particularly as the US government altered its visa policy to facilitate a fair election.
However, after Sheikh Hasina’s fall through mass protests in July and August, Dr Yunus, head of the Interim Government of Bangladesh, has taken a proactive role in rebuilding Dhaka-Washington relations.
Notably, US President Joe Biden held a conversation with Dr Yunus in Washington during the UN General Assembly, a meeting that is generally rare.
The interim government described this meeting as ‘significant’ for Bangladesh-US relations.