Trump Denies US Involvement in Bangladesh Crisis, Leaves Issue to Modi

ANS: US President Donald Trump has rejected claims of his country’s “deep state” involvement in the ongoing crisis in Bangladesh, which began after the fall of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government. Speaking at a joint press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Trump said, “There was no role for our deep state… This is something that the Prime Minister [Modi] has been working on for a long time.”

The crisis intensified when Hasina fled Bangladesh following violent protests against her leadership and sought refuge in India. In her absence, Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus returned to Bangladesh, assuming control of an interim government. Since Hasina’s ouster, the country has seen escalating violence, including attacks on the Hindu community and clashes between Awami League and Yunus supporters.

Tensions further spiked after protesters set fire to the family residence of Bangladesh’s founder, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Meanwhile, Hasina and former officials face charges, including crimes against humanity, for a crackdown on protests during the 2023 uprising.

On February 7, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned Bangladesh’s Acting High Commissioner to express concern over negative statements from Dhaka. The MEA emphasized India’s commitment to a positive, mutually beneficial relationship with Bangladesh and rejected any claims linking India to internal issues in Bangladesh, urging the country to reciprocate with a constructive approach.