ALSO READ: Muhammad Yunus’ ‘tainted past’ back to haunt him? Sheikh Hasina calls herself Bangladesh ‘PM’ in congratulatory letter to Trump
When Donald Trump made his displeasure with Yunus
In 2016, when Trump defeated Hilary Clinton, Muhammad Yunus had said, “Trump’s win has hit us so hard that this morning I could hardly speak. I lost all strength. Should I even come here? Of course, I should, we must not allow this lapse into depression, we will overcome these dark clouds.”
In the same year, a delegation from Bangladesh visited him in Washington. The team included diplomats, a few prominent Bangladeshi-Americans and members of government from Dhaka, according to reports.
Trump also made his displeasure with Muhammad Yunus, who then headed the finance institution Grameen Bank. “Where is the micro-finance guy from Dhaka…I heard he donated to see me lose,” Trump reportedly inquired. This question by Trump left the Bangladeshi delegates wondering, which was confirmed by a former member of the Sheikh Hasina government. Yunus’ past views on Trump and the latter’s public condemnation of attacks on minorities in Bangladesh may make it difficult for the Nobel laureate to deal with Washington DC.ALSO READ: Md Yunus’ past remarks on US President-elect Donald Trump may hurt his future
Bangladesh Hindus attacked: Trump condemns it
Ever since Sheikh Hasina has been ousted from power, the attack on Hindus and minorities in Bangladesh has seen a significant rise, which Yunus has termed “more political than communal”. Donald Trump has vowed to protect Hindus and minorities and has strongly condemned the violence, calling the country one that is “in a total state of chaosâ€.
“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,†the former American president wrote on social media platform X on Friday night, while wishing everyone on the occasion of Diwali.
He added: “It would have never happened on my watch. Kamala and Joe have ignored Hindus across the world and in America. They have been a disaster from Israel to Ukraine to our own Southern Border, but we will Make America Strong Again and bring back Peace through Strength!â€
The attacks on the minorities and dissenters, which has become a norm in Bangladesh, are unlikely to continue with the change of guard in Washington, said multiple sources in Bangladesh, reported The Telegraph. “The use of the institutions like the army, the police and the administration to settle scores will not be easy,†a former editor of a news channel was quoted as saying.
ALSO READ: Trump sends Diwali greetings, condemns attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh
Also, the outgoing Biden administration was finalising a financial package in Bangladesh and encouraging the Yunus regime to undertake political reforms before elections, Economic Times has learnt. This had irked the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, or BNP, who were part of the movement to oust Hasina and wanted quick elections to grab power.
Sheikh Hasina, meanwhile, reached out to Trump, congratulating him and desiring support in future. Hasina said she is committed to work together with the Republican to advance the “bilateral and multilateral interests of both countries”. Interestingly Hasina referred to herself as the PM in the congratulatory letter sent to Trump.
FAQs
What previous actions of Muhammad Yunus have caused tension with Donald Trump?
In 2016, Muhammad Yunus made a significant donation to the Clinton Foundation, which Trump referenced negatively during his campaign.
How has the situation for minorities in Bangladesh changed since Sheikh Hasina was ousted from power?
Since Hasina’s ousting, there has been a significant rise in attacks on Hindus and minorities in Bangladesh.
