US President Donald Trump on Friday dismissed speculations regarding the US “deep state” interfering in Bangladesh’s political affairs, shifting responsibility to India as tensions escalate in the region. The unrest in Bangladesh, particularly the attacks on minority Hindus, was a key topic in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s discussions with Trump during their high-level bilateral meeting.
Trump’s Stance: No US Intervention in Bangladesh
Responding to questions from reporters, President Trump made it clear that the US would not interfere in Bangladesh’s internal matters. He stated: “There was no role for our (US) deep state. This is something that the Prime Minister has been working on for a long time and has been working on for hundreds of years. I will leave Bangladesh to the Prime Minister.”
Addressing the press meet with @POTUS @realDonaldTrump. https://t.co/u9a3p0nTKf
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 13, 2025
Trump’s remarks indicate a policy of non-involvement from Washington while reinforcing India’s influence in handling the crisis.
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His statement follows violent student-led protests in Bangladesh that resulted in the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government and the rise of an interim administration under Muhammad Yunus.
Growing Concerns Over Minority Attacks
The political shift in Bangladesh has led to increased violence against minority Hindus, with reports of monks being imprisoned and hundreds of temples vandalized. Trump had previously condemned the attacks after his election victory last November, calling the violence against Hindus and Christians “barbaric.”
Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri addressed the situation, emphasizing India’s concerns over recent developments in Bangladesh. He stated:
“The Prime Minister shared his views and his concerns with regard to recent developments in Bangladesh and how India sees the situation. There are concerns about that situation, and the PM shared those views.”
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India has historically played a crucial role in Bangladesh’s political stability and will likely continue to engage with its neighbor amid these turbulent times.
Protests in Washington Against the Yunus Government
While discussions took place at the White House, protests erupted outside as supporters of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League and its allied organizations demonstrated against the Yunus-led interim government. Protesters carried placards reading “Step down Yunus” and “Minority killer,” demanding international attention on the crisis.
A recent fact-finding report by the United Nations has also raised alarms over targeted violence against Hindus under the Yunus administration. The findings further fuel global scrutiny over the ongoing turmoil in Bangladesh.
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As Bangladesh grapples with political instability, Trump’s clear stance of non-intervention leaves India in a pivotal role in managing the crisis. With escalating violence and international attention mounting, the Modi administration’s diplomatic approach in the coming weeks will be closely watched.