Bangladesh's relationship with the United States will strengthen further following Donald Trump's victory, said the Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam.
He made the remarks during a briefing at the Foreign Service Academy on Wednesday evening.
Shafiqul emphasised that the ties between the two countries would deepen, highlighting that the Chief Adviser maintains positive relationships with leaders from both the Democratic and Republican parties.
Trump might have been misinformed on minority issues
Regarding Trump's previous statements regarding minority rights situation in Bangladesh, Shafiqul suggested that Trump may have been misinformed at the time, as he was a presidential candidate when he made the remarks.
"Now that he will be the President of the US, he will have access to the actual situation," Shafiqul said.
He explained that the US Embassy in Bangladesh closely monitors minority issues within the country, and as President, Trump will gain a more accurate understanding.
"The Bangladesh government is working to strengthen democratic processes, and Trump’s commitment to global democracy aligns with our goals, which we hope will strengthen our relationship further," he added.
Addressing concerns of "misinformation and disinformation" surrounding minority issues, Shafiqul highlighted that reports of violence against minorities often require careful scrutiny.
For example, he referenced a recent claim by the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council regarding nine Hindu deaths in religious violence.
He said noted that investigations, including reports from Netra News, indicate that these deaths were not religiously motivated but might be connected to personal or political factors.
Shafiqul also emphasised the government’s commitment to fostering a safe environment for minorities. “Durga Puja was celebrated peacefully this year. There were initial concerns, but our government took steps to ensure security at every puja mandap through a monitoring app. We are committed to ensuring that all religious minorities can observe their festivals in peace,” he said, urging responsible and truthful reporting on minority issues in Bangladesh.
Deputy press secretaries to the Chief Adviser Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad Majumder and Apurba Jahangir were also present at the briefing.