Trump's comeback worries Mohammed Yunus; Sheikh Hasina as 'PM' praises US President-elect

For Yunus, Bangladesh's interim regime Chief Adviser, a known critic of Trump has slammed the real estate magnate turned politician even referring to him as a ‘solar eclipse’. He is also famously close to prominent figures in the US' Democratic Party, including Joe Biden and Bill Clinton.

Reports have said that it is no secret that Democrats had openly courted Yunus and his closeness with them was clear to observers during his recent visit to the USA for the UN General Assembly. Sheikh Hasina, the ousted Prime Minister of Bangladesh had in fact suggested that Joe Biden had played a key role in toppling her and installing Yunus as the head of Bangladesh’s interim government.

Sheikh Hasina praises Trump

Moreover, the twist in the political tale is that on November 6, Sheikh Hasina, referring to herself as the “Prime Minister of Bangladesh”, praised Donald Trump for his “extraordinary leadership qualities” in her congratulatory message to the incoming US President.

According to a statement released by Hasina's party Awami League on X, the ex-prime minister termed Trump's “resounding election victory” as a “testament to his extraordinary leadership qualities and the immense trust bestowed on him by the American people.”

She also fondly recalled her several meetings and interactions as Prime Minister with Trump and his wife Melania and expressed her commitment to “working together again to advance the bilateral and multilateral interests of both countries”.

Meanwhile, Yunus too shared his “heartfelt felicitations” in a congratulatory letter to Trump.

“Bangladesh and the United States share a long history of friendship and collaboration across numerous areas of mutual interest. The relationship continued to grow in depth and breadth during your previous term in office,” Yunus wrote, trying to curry favour with the future US president.

But it is clear that under a Republican government led by Trump, Yunus is not expected to enjoy the "same level of support from Washington", according to experts. And, the 84-year-old Bangladeshi economist turned politician, who has been heading the interim government since August 8, 2024, will sorely miss the backing of his Democratic political allies in the US.

Also read: Reporter's account | Hasina to Yunus, what Bangladeshis look for in transition 

Domestic pressures

According to political observers, Yunus is already plagued by domestic challenges in Bangladesh. He is being criticised for not adequately representing all political factions and civil society groups in the country's political system and questioning his democractic legitimacy. After allegations of lack of fairness and transparency in the recent elections, there has been a lot of discontent and calls to re-establish a neutral caretaker government as well.

Many want a level playing field for all political parties. Secondly, he is being slammed for the slow pace of necessary reforms, particularly in areas such as electoral processes and human rights.

Under these circumstances, it is likely Yunus’s hold on power may weaken, and he may be pressured to hold early elections. At that time, he can hardly reach out to the Trump-led Republican administration in Washington for any external help.

Attacks on Hindus

Also, after the ouster of Sheikh Hasina's government in Bangladesh, violence against Bangladesh's minorities, especially Hindus, has allegedly been on the rise under Yunus's leadership. When India expressed concerns over attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh, Yunus dismissed the issue as “exaggerated” and questioned the manner in which India projected it. 

Yunus said the attacks on minorities in Bangladesh are more political than communal. Delhi has time and again urged Dhaka to come down on “extremist” elements and ensure the safety of the country’s Hindu community

India found a champion in Trump, when in his Diwali message, he outright condemned the violence against Hindus in Bangladesh.

Describing Bangladesh as being “in a total state of chaos” in a post on X, Trump completely embarrassed Yunus by stating that he strongly condemned "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”. 

He vowed to “protect Hindu Americans against the anti-religion agenda of the radical left”. And added that under his administration, America will also strengthen their "great partnership with India and my good friend, Prime Minister Modi".

Also read: Bangladesh: With system crumbling, time running out for Mohammad Yunus 

Unconcerned about Bangladesh

However, political analysts reckon that given Trump’s strong personal relationship with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it’s very likely that US policy towards South Asia will increasingly tilt to suit India’s interests.

In a nutshell, for the Republicans, Bangladesh is not a central focus in US foreign policy. Hence, Yunus’s position will not be a priority for Trump, who will probably concentrate larger geopolitical issues, such as relations with Russia, China, NATO, and India.

However, for Bangladesh, United States has historically been one of its top trade partners and a major source of foreign direct investment (FDI). Besides, it is a  key donor for humanitarian issues, such as public health and the Rohingya refugee crisis.

However, if Trump sticks to his "America First" mantra and cuts back international aid in favour of domestic economic concerns, it could directly affect Bangladesh, pointed out experts.

In this fraught scenario, it is going to be very challenging for Yunus to navigate relations with the US.

Also read: US sends 'poor democracy' message to Dhaka by keeping it out of Biden meet 

Trump bashing in the past

What is worse for Yunus is his verbal bashing of Trump back in 2016.

After Trump’s election victory in 2016, Yunus described it as “a solar eclipse…black days, which must not destroy us and suck our spirit.” And he expressed his deep dismay at Trump’s win. He even stated, “Trump’s win has hit us so hard that this morning I could hardly speak.”

This may possibly complicate any interactions he proposes to have with the future US president, feel experts.

Moreover, when the Nobel laureate allegedly made a huge donation to the Clinton Foundation ahead of Hillary’s bid for US presidency, Trump reportedly told a delegation from Bangladesh visiting him in Washington, "Where is the micro-finance guy from Dhaka... I heard he donated to see me lose”. 

Well, Yunus is probably going to find it hard to live his past down.