DHAKA-WASHINGTON TIES: Yunus seeks collab with Trump
NN Online:
Congratulating US President-elect Donald Trump, interim government chief adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday said he looks forward to working together with the new US administration to further strengthen the Dhaka-Washington partnership and foster sustainable development.
“I firmly believe that the possibilities are endless as our two friendly nations work towards exploring newer avenues of partnership,” said the Nobel Peace Laureate in his message conveying his heartfelt felicitations to Trump on behalf of his government and the people of Bangladesh on his victory in the US Presidential Election 2024.
Prof Yunus said electing Trump as the US president for a second term reflects that his leadership and vision have resonated with the people of the United States of America.
“I am confident that under your stewardship, the United States will thrive and continue to inspire others around the world. Bangladesh and the United States share a long history of friendship and collaboration across numerous areas of mutual interest,” said the chief adviser.
He said the relationship continued to grow in depth and breadth during Trump’s previous term in the office.
“Aligning with our commitment to a peaceful and inclusive society, the government and the peace-loving people of Bangladesh look forward to partnering and collaborating in your efforts in addressing the global challenges in the pursuit of peace, harmony, stability and prosperity for all,” Prof Yunus said.
He conveyed his best wishes for Trump’s success as he embarks on this momentous journey of leading his great nation.
“We welcome him (Trump). We hope Bangladesh-US relations will be deepened and relations will reach a new height,” Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told reporters at a media briefing at the Foreign Service Academy on Wednesday evening.
Responding to a question on Trump’s remarks on Bangladesh recently, Alam said they think he (Trump) was misinformed and hoped that he will know what the actual picture is.
The press secretary said the US wants to see democracy is practiced globally and the relations between the two countries will be strengthened.
Deputy Press Secretaries Apurba Jahangir and Abul Kalam Azad Majumder were also present.
Donald Trump has been elected the 47th president of the United States which is seen as an extraordinary comeback for a former president who refused to accept defeat four years ago.
On November 1, the press secretary said what Donald Trump thinks about the events in Bangladesh “does obviously matter,” but stressed that their task in the government is to tell the truth.
On a separate occasion, he said the results of the US election will not pose any challenge for the relations between the two countries.
Prof Muhammad Yunus, as a global leader, has very good ties with senior leaders of both the Democratic and Republican parties, he added.
“He [Prof Yunus] has friends in both parties. The relationship depends a lot on personal attachment. Prof Yunus is a global leader. So, whether Kamala Harris or Donald Trump wins the US election, there will be no challenge for our relationship,” he said while speaking as the chief at a debate competition in the capital.
Shafiqul Alam said Donald Trump’s statement on minorities in Bangladesh is a completely domestic political issue, and lobbyists may have influenced this issue.
On Thursday, Trump strongly condemned the “barbaric violence” against Hindus, Christians, and other minorities who are “getting attacked and looted by mobs in Bangladesh, which remains in a total state of chaos.”