Trump’s focus on trade, not democracy-human rights; Relations with Bangladesh are trade-centric

Many believe that the US was active behind the fall of the Awami League in the July uprising. However, US South Asia expert Michael Kugelman dismisses this idea as a mere conspiracy. Since Donald Trump came to power in January this year, the trajectory of Dhaka-Washington relations has changed. Unlike the Joe Biden administration, Kugelman believes that the Trump administration’s priorities are not trade, human rights and democracy. Michael Kugelman, a senior fellow at the US Asia Pacific Foundation, said that Donald Trump has suspended almost all foreign aid. He has dismantled USAID. He does not like ‘nation building’. Therefore, the promises made by the Biden administration will not sit well with Trump. Asked whether issues such as democracy, human rights and minority rights are still in bilateral discussions, Kugelman said that these are history. Trump only follows interest-based policies. Human rights or democracy are not his priorities. He follows a transactional and business-oriented approach. He also said that in fact, Bangladesh is not much in the Trump administration’s sights. This could be good. Because the US has various complications with countries like India, which are under its watch. Meanwhile, on BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir’s concerns about the rise of the right wing in politics, Michael Kugelman said that religiously based right wing groups have gained more political space in the past year. It will only be a problem if they are involved in anti-democratic or violent activities. In this regard, terrorism is the biggest concern. Bangladesh has faced this problem in the past. In this context, he also said that in recent times, some people have been arrested on charges of collusion with Pakistani groups. This needs to be monitored seriously. Revenge politics and extreme polarization are big risks in Bangladesh. There is a risk of instability since the Awami League was banned. The BNP is more likely to come to power in the next elections. However, there is a risk of violence during the elections. On the other hand, he stressed on holding elections to address these challenges. He said, “The expectations of the people from this government after the people’s uprising are like mountains. Moreover, although the unrest of the people has increased during the tenure of this government, the freedom of the people has increased compared to before.” Regarding the elections, this South Asia expert said, “It is very important that the elections are held on time and fairly. Otherwise, there is a risk of new unrest. A lot of work has started after the people’s uprising, but there is still a lot to be done. So there will be tremendous pressure and expectations on the new government.” Michael Kugelman also said that after the new tariff policy, the pressure on Bangladesh to buy goods from the United States has increased.