Staff Correspondent

The results of the United States presidential election will not impact Bangladesh, according to Debapriya Bhattacharya and Badiul Alam Majumdar.

The duo responded to questions about the potential influence of the US elections on Bangladesh at the American Centre in Dhaka on Wednesday morning.

Debapriya, the head of the committee responsible for publishing a white paper on Bangladesh’s economy, said: "There are different reasons why this election is important to us, but our relationship with the US is not dependent on just one party."“There are multiple factors involved, including trade, strategic, and geopolitical issues. A change of president will not result in an immediate change in those dynamics, so there is no cause for concern for Bangladesh,” he added.

TRUMP’S REMARKS SPARK ATTENTION IN BANGLADESH

Donald Trump’s return to the White House has attracted additional attention in Bangladesh due to his post on the microblogging site X on Oct 31 during his election campaign.

In the post, the Republican presidential candidate said: I strongly condemn 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.”

The remarks came amid reports of attacks on Hindu homes and businesses, particularly after the fall of the Awami League government on Aug 5.

Hindus have been protesting continuously, although the government has labelled these allegations as ‘exaggerated’.While addressing the situation in Bangladesh, Trump also extended Diwali greetings to the Hindu community.

Trump highlighted the situation of Hindus in Bangladesh and extended his Diwali greetings.

He claimed that such incidents would not have occurred if he were in power, criticising Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden.

Trump said, “It would have never happened on my watch. Kamala and Joe have ignored the Hindus across the world and in America.”

“They have been a disaster from Isreal to Ukraine to our own Southern border, but we will make America strong again and bring back power through strength,” he added.

REACTION FROM BANGLADESH GOVERNMENT

On Nov 2, the Bangladesh government responded to Trump’s comments.

In a debate competition in Dhaka, Chief Advisor’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said Trump's remarks on the persecution of minorities in Bangladesh were purely a domestic political issue. Lobbyists may have influenced his statements on this matter.”

The following day, Religious Affairs Advisor AFM Khalid Hossain told reporters at an event in Savar: “Many things are said during election campaigns, and perhaps Trump made these remarks to garner votes.”

Economist Debapriya, reflecting on the current global situation, said the outcome of the US election could have far-reaching consequences.

“We, the people of Bangladesh, have not been able to vote for many years due to several reasons, and as such, we want to learn from the voting experiences of other countries when making decisions for ourselves,” said Debapriya.

He continued, “We need to understand how a competitive electoral environment is created under normal circumstances, how the people who control and oversee the election behave, and how the public reacts to the results once they are announced. All these aspects offer valuable lessons for us,” he added.

‘TRUMP’S TWEET FOR INDIAN VOTES’

Election Reform Commission chief Badiul said, “Although Trump made a tweet, it was aimed at gaining the Indian vote. I am sure Trump does not even know where Bangladesh is. I do not think this will have any adverse impact.”

He said the US is currently facing its own set of challenges.

“They [the United States] are in a crisis, a serious one. The divisions within their country are alarming. Many are worried about what will happen next,” said Badiul.

He added, “The US has demonstrated a democratic system for over 250 years, but their system and ours are different. Unfortunately, our parliamentary system has not been stable. We have gone through many turbulent times and many ups and downs.”