Trump’s election: Dhaka not anticipating ‘major change’ in relations with Washington

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain today said the interim government doesn’t foresee any major change in its relations with the United States, under what will be a new US administration following Republican candidate Donald J. Trump’s stunning victory in Tuesday’s presidential election.

“Let’s see. Actually, we do not need to speculate. It wouldn’t be right to think that there will be any big change in our relationship with the Trump Administration,” he told reporters while responding to a question on the specific issue of Trump’s return to the White House.

Trump pulled off one of the greatest political comebacks in U.S. history, sweeping all 7 Battleground States to stun the Democrats in the current administration, including his opponent Vice President Kamala Harris.

Though the election is over, the US is still at the beginning of this new political season which will officially kick off on January 20, 2025 - Inauguration Day.

The foreign affairs adviser said the relations between the two countries are not based on any particular party, but of the two states, he said.

The Biden Administration has been providing full-fledged support for the current interim government of Bangladesh, and the reforms process.

Hossain said they will observe for the first two-three months. “Then we will see what steps the Trump Administration takes. Based on that, we’ll work with the US.”

The various aspects of US-Bangladesh relationship that were discussed with the Biden Administration were also the issues of discussion with the previous Trump administration.

“Let’s see. First we will establish communication and then we will see how it goes.”

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.