New Delhi:
In a significant development during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to the United States, US President Donald Trump addressed the volatile political situation in Bangladesh, making it clear that the US would not intervene in the country’s internal affairs. This stance was reiterated during a joint press conference at the White House, where Trump and Modi discussed a range of issues, including trade relations and the broader geopolitical landscape.
Trump’s response to a question about the US’s role in the regime change in Bangladesh was definitive: “I’ll leave Bangladesh to the Prime Minister,” he said, referring to PM Modi. This statement underscored the Trump administration’s decision to distance itself from the ongoing crisis in Bangladesh, which has been marked by violent protests and a subsequent change in government.
The crisis in Bangladesh began with mass protests against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s regime in 2024, which culminated in her ousting and her seeking refuge in India. The interim government, now led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has faced severe criticism for its handling of attacks on minority populations, particularly Hindus, by radical Islamist elements.
During the meeting, PM Modi expressed deep concerns about the developments in Bangladesh, highlighting the escalating tensions between India and its neighbor. The Indian government has been cautious in its response, given the significant diplomatic implications of any potential action regarding Hasina’s extradition, a demand made by Bangladesh’s opposition led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
The US has further complicated the situation by halting all aid to the Bangladesh government, with USAID suspending its operations in the country. This move adds to the economic and political pressures on the interim government, which is already struggling to maintain stability.
The new government in Bangladesh has committed to holding free and fair elections after implementing reforms in the security sector, justice system, and other core institutions. However, the path ahead remains fraught with challenges, including addressing the UN’s findings on human rights violations during the 2024 protests.
Trump’s administration has made it clear that its priorities lie elsewhere, focusing on trade agreements, immigrant policies, and geopolitical issues involving China, rather than engaging deeply with Bangladesh’s internal affairs. This stance reflects a broader policy of non-intervention in regional conflicts, allowing regional leaders like PM Modi to take the lead in resolving such crises.
