Staff Reporter :
Mahmudur Rahman, acting editor of the Amar Desh newspaper, asserted that Bangladesh’s hard-fought revolution would remain unaffected by the results of the upcoming U.S. presidential election, whether Donald Trump, Joe Biden, or Kamala Harris emerges victorious.
Rahman shared his views on Thursday as the chief guest at a program held at the National Press Club in Dhaka.
“We do not care about the elections in Washington,” Rahman declared, addressing growing speculation about potential global impacts of the American election on Bangladesh’s internal politics.
“Some are saying that Trump’s victory could mean a return of the Awami League, but our greatest strength is that this revolution had no foreign support; it is entirely our own. Whether Trump, Biden, or Kamala Harris takes office in Washington, it makes no difference to us. We did not rely on Washington’s backing for this revolution.”
Rahman’s remarks come amid renewed discussions in political circles regarding foreign influence on Bangladeshi affairs, particularly in light of past alliances between the United States and regional powers.
He reiterated that Bangladesh’s recent revolutionary efforts, driven primarily by student activists and grassroots support, reflect the will of its people rather than the strategic interests of foreign governments.
The editor emphasized that Bangladesh’s current movement had grown from within, citing the sacrifices and resilience of the nation’s youth.
“We achieved this revolution through the strength of our students and people, not through foreign powers,” he said. “Our youth have sacrificed their lives to build a strong, self-reliant nation-one that does not look to Washington for direction.”
This sentiment marks a strong stance from Rahman, highlighting the evolving vision of a self-reliant Bangladesh, independent of any foreign influence. He also noted the widespread role of ordinary citizens, saying, “While talking about students, we should not forget the common people and workers who stood alongside them in this struggle.”
Rahman criticized what he described as Bangladesh’s historical dependence on foreign countries, notably referencing India.
“For the past 16 years, Bangladesh has essentially operated as a dependent state of India. Our young generation has liberated us for the second time,” he said, characterizing recent shifts in Bangladesh’s political landscape as a resurgence of independence in the face of regional and international influences.