A polarising presidency

Donald Trump's election victory has triggered mixed reactions in Bangladesh-highlighting concerns over minority rights, US foreign policy shifts, and evolving Bangladesh-India dynamics

- SHANTANU MUKHARJI

Donald Trump's resounding victory in the recently held US Presidential elections has evoked mixed reactions in Bangladesh. Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, who is visibly aligned with the Democrats and perceived to have "managed" his Nobel Prize through the singular recommendation of former President Bill Clinton, was quick to congratulate Trump after he was elected, although no discernible response has yet been noticed from the new US President-elect. By deduction, one can infer that Yunus and his team are seemingly confused as to what the new US approach towards Bangladesh might be.

Significantly, earlier, Trump, in a video message, had lambasted the Bangladesh government for allowing continued excesses against the Hindu minorities. While on one hand, this has bolstered the sagging morale of the Hindus in Bangladesh, who continue to be targets of attacks and endless persecution, on the other, the Bangladesh government is trying to face the embarrassment and is half-heartedly attempting to improve its sullied image in the international community. That said, to keep the people's morale high and to assure the people and the government machinery that all is not lost with Trump's coming to power, Bangladesh is trying hard to put up a brave face.