We have watched the second victory of Donald Trump as president of United States. His approach of “America First “ has given him a victory in election that “ I Shall return “.
The return of Trump is obviously not a surprise to many and has a specific geopolitical implications. Bangladesh is going through lots of challenges and opportunities right at this moment and change in the US administration will definitely have effective influence in Bangladesh too. Here is a summary on crosscutting issues, effecting US-BD relations from Bangladesh perspective .
An estimated number of 200 thousand Bangladeshi origin people live in the US, Besides these legal number there are unconfirmed Bangladeshis are residing in the US, they might have been moved throw human trafficking, or may have misused tourist or business visa. Democrats party is favorable to illegal migrants but Republics are not. So Bangladeshis who are not properly documented in the US, their “American Dream” could be at risk.
The USA is consistently funding in Bangladesh for good reasons. Recently Biden administration has authorized USAID to donate two billion USD to improve living standards of Bangladesh within year 2021-2026 under Development Objective Grant Agreement.
With the change of US administration there is a risk that funds pouring into Bangladesh ranging from public health to Rohingya refugees could be reduced which will directly impact Bangladesh.
The US currently contributes around 22% of the general UN budget and about 28% to peacekeeping operations. The UN officials already has expressed their anxiety that trump could drastically cut funding to the UN. If so,this will affect Bangladesh, Bangladesh is the top troops contributing country in the UNPKO.
US-BD bilateral trade is 12 billion USD. US is the largest buyer of RMG that made in Bangladesh. “Trump Return” It is likely to bring good news for Bangladeshi Businesses . During Trump presidency 2017-2021 Bangladeshi RMG export to the US raised from 17 to 18.9 percent according to BGMEA report.
There is a news on air that Trump may adopt more anti-China trade measures. If Trump impose more trade embargo and higher tariffs on China, Bangladesh will get indirect intensive.
The world has appreciated Trump for his role in repatriation of US soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan .There is a saying that “Tump 2.0” administration may not be looking for enemy in foreign lands, so Bangladesh will have less pressure on security issue alliance like QUAD.
Human Rights and good Governance agenda may remain unchanged under new administration. Sanctions on Bangladesh RAB Force and individuals may retain in coming days too.
Earlier Trump has called climate change a “hoax and Scam” , so it is likely that US contribution on climate change initiative going to be narrowing under Trump administration. Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to climate change. Bangladesh is in need of natural resources protection,early warnings, cyclone shelter, technical assistance etc.
So Bangladesh will be raising eye brows if the US fund curtails.
Biden administration and Bangladesh Interim Govt is maintaining excellent bilateral relations at present. Chief advisor’s office press wing has issued circular stating that US election result will not change the approach of both the governments.
But there is a widespread perception that Yunus administration may not share the same rapport with Trump as they had with Biden administration. As a result General election in Bangladesh may held earlier than anticipated. In his resent tweet Trump has openly criticized and condemned the torture on Hindu community in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh is in a cross road of political junction and this change in US administration is definitely a signal to be navigated carefully. Trump office will have dynamic aftermath in geopolitical landscape for sure. Bangladesh is committed to restoring democracy and upholding human rights. Bangladesh urge all her friends including the US to extend their full support.
The writer , Squadron Leader (Rtd) Sadrul Ahmed Khan, is Former Deputy Serjeant-At-Arms, Bangladesh Parliament.
