Staff Reporter :
In response to recent comments by former US President Donald Trump on minority issues in Bangladesh, Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, reiterated on Friday the government’s commitment to transparency and accuracy.
Trump, currently campaigning for a potential return to the White House, recently voiced concerns over what he described as “violence” affecting minority communities in Bangladesh, including Hindus and Christians. In response, Alam underscored the government’s dedication to presenting a clear and truthful account of the situation.
“While we recognize that international perspectives, including those of figures like Mr. Trump, are significant, our priority is to communicate the realities here with transparency and clarity,” Alam stated.
Alam explained that Professor Yunus’s approach has been to welcome international journalists, researchers, and observers to see conditions firsthand in Bangladesh.
“From the start, Professor Yunus has encouraged foreign observers to explore Bangladesh independently,” he said, affirming the country’s openness and resilience.
Referencing Netra News, an investigative outlet based in Sweden, Alam praised its reporting, which he said has helped to correct misconceptions about minority issues in Bangladesh.
He expressed concern that certain narratives, particularly from organizations such as the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, may have amplified isolated incidents, potentially misrepresenting the broader context.
“We acknowledge that incidents involving religious communities have occurred,” Alam noted. “However, these have been rare cases that, in some instances, may have been overstated. We trust that an informed public will discern the broader picture.”
Alam also addressed what he characterized as efforts to spread misrepresentative narratives via social media and international platforms, voicing his confidence that the “truth” about Bangladesh’s sociopolitical landscape would stand against transient media campaigns.
In response to Trump’s comments, recently appointed Bangladeshi Ambassador Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey expressed gratitude for the focus on minority rights while emphasizing the importance of accurate information.
“Fact-checking is essential to understanding the situation on the ground,” Ansarey stated in a message on X (formerly Twitter), sharing a Netra News article intended to provide further clarity on Bangladesh’s domestic affairs.
As Bangladesh addresses both domestic and international concerns about minority protections and political stability, Alam and other officials reiterated their commitment to transparency and to encouraging a balanced, well-informed perspective on the country’s complexities.