US policies concerning Bangladesh may undergo significant changes in the coming days, fear several analysts in Dhaka as Donald Trump returned to the White House for a historic second term as the 47th President of the country, on Monday.
The interim government in Bangladesh led by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus is already on back foot internationally for targeting minorities in the country, especially Hindus, since coming to power in August 2024.
During the Presidential election campaign, Trump had condemned the growing attacks on Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh.
In a strongly-worded post on X, Trump, while extending Diwali greetings to Hindu Americans, slammed Bangladesh, a country which he said "remains in a total state of chaos".
"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," Trump wrote on October 31.
"It would have never happened on my watch... We will also protect Hindu Americans against the anti-religion agenda of the radical left. We will fight for your freedom. Under my administration, we will also strengthen our great partnership with India and my good friend, Prime Minister Modi," he added.
While, last month, the Yunus government tried to extend a hand of friendship to the incoming administration in Washington and asserted that the five-decade relationship will remain unchanged after Trump begins his second innings, even local experts reckon that a tough road lies ahead for Dhaka.
"Dhaka should establish specialised units within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to monitor US policy developments and coordinate lobbying efforts," Rakib Al Hasan, founder and Executive Director of the Centre for Partnership Initiative, wrote in 'Daily Star' on Tuesday.
Citing that the country's involvement in China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has already drawn scrutiny from Washington, Hasan states that a more assertive Trump presidency could compel Bangladesh to make difficult choices.
The United States not only provides approximately $200 million annually to Dhaka in development assistance but is also Bangladesh's single largest export market, especially in the Ready-Made Garment (RMG) sector that accounts for over 80 per cent of exports to the US.
The prospects for new US investments in Bangladesh and increased bilateral trade "appear limited", mentions a report 'How Bangladesh may be affected by Trump's policies' that appeared in Dhaka Tribune on Tuesday.
"Existing investors are scaling back, while potential investors are adopting a wait-and-see approach. Even after a new government comes into power, prospective investors may observe the situation for some time before making decisions," the newspaper quoted a former Bangladeshi diplomat as saying.
Interestingly, Ambassador Tracey Ann Jacobson, currently Chargé d'affaires (ad interim), at the US Embassy in Dhaka has been holding a series of crucial meetings after assuming duties on January 11.
Jacobson met Yunus on Monday with the Embassy stating that the meeting focused on the United States' support "as Bangladesh works toward a stable and democratic future for its people".
Earlier, in her first engagement with the interim government, Jacobson had a "productive discussion" with Bangladesh's Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Advisor, Asif Nazrul, "on labour rights, judicial reform, and counter-terrorism", on January 16.
The meeting took place as Washington seemed unhappy with the recent reports which revealed that the Bangladesh's interim government has set in motion the process to acquit Syed Zia-ul Haque, a sacked Major of the Bangladesh Army who is linked to Al Qaeda and is desperately wanted by the United States.
On January 19, a day before she met Yunus, the new Charge d;affaires met with Bangladesh's Foreign Affairs Advisor Touhid Hossain and Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin, indicating Washington's proactive diplomacy ahead of Trump Inauguration.
Tripura court sentences three youths to life imprisonment in murder case
Three youths were sentenced to life imprisonment on Tuesday for the brutal murder of a mason six years ago during an arbitration meeting in a Panchayat office in Tripura’s Unakoti district, officials said.
Manipur CM bats for resolving misunderstanding through talks
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Tuesday stressed to resolve the misunderstanding through discussions and highlighted the necessity to live together with all communities of the state.
Tripura stands second in position in GSDP growth in North East: CM Dr Manik Saha
The Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of the state of Tripura is the second highest in the northeast region under BJP's rule, said Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Tuesday.
Ancient Lord Brahma Sculpture Unearthed in Unakoti
A remarkable discovery has been made in the Bhuiyapara area of Kailashahar Sub-division under Tripura’s Unakoti District, where villagers unearthed an ancient sculpture of Lord Brahma during development work.
Saif Ali Khan walks confidently towards his den after getting discharged from hospital
Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, who was discharged from the hospital on Tuesday after he underwent the medical procedures, and made a recovery, was seen arriving at his house in the Bandra area of Mumbai.
Drugs worth Rs 12 crore seized in Tripura, two held
In a meticulously planned operation, Assam Rifles seized huge quantities of highly addictive methamphetamine tablets worth Rs 12 crore in Tripura and arrested two drug peddlers, officials said on Tuesday.
WHO regrets Trump’s decision to withdraw; hopes US will reconsider
The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday expressed regret over the decision of US President Donald Trump to walk out of the global health body, and hoped the administration will reconsider it.
Four AAP leaders join BJP days before Delhi Assembly elections
In a major political development just days before the Delhi Assembly elections, four leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), including two municipal councillors, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday.