This Halloween, Donald Trump’s recent message on X (formerly Twitter) elicited both international support and criticism. The message garnered support primarily among Hindus, particularly in the US, India, and Bangladesh. Conversely, it faced significant backlash from Muslims and liberal groups globally, especially in Bangladesh, who condemned it as biased and based on misinformation, arguing that it poses a threat to democracy, good governance, and human rights within Bangladesh itself.
This unsolicited communication from Trump starkly undermines the principles of democracy and human rights, as well as the commendable efforts and intentions of the Yunus Administration in Bangladesh towards democracy and good governance.
Former president Trump's language has been notably harsh and unkind towards a significant portion of the population in the country. Following the departure of the dictator Hasina on August 5, a post-dictatorial interim government was established under the leadership of Professor Muhammad Yunus. Trump has characterized the Yunus administration as responsible for "the barbaric violence against Hindus, Christians, and other minorities who are being attacked and looted by mobs in Bangladesh, which remains in a state of total chaos."
It is essential to recognize that the sporadic and transient attacks by anti-Hasina mobs against Bangladeshi Hindu communities were politically motivated, targeting supporters and beneficiaries of Hasina's regime. Moreover, Hasina's Muslim supporters were not exempt from these acts of violence. Thus, Trump's harsh language and falsehoods are being portrayed here as abnormally deviant "tantrums and Halloween antics," which people around the world have become accustomed to.
Interestingly, the true motive behind this tweet may not be difficult to discern. It appears that, rather than simply reflecting Trump's unfounded biases against Bangladeshi Muslims -- or his unproven admiration for the corrupt and oppressive Hasina regime -- this tweet is more about his attempt to gain support from American Hindu voters, particularly in swing states. A pro-Trump shift among Hindu voters in states like Pennsylvania or Georgia could significantly benefit his campaign; conversely, a pro-Trump shift in public opinion among Muslim voters in Michigan is presumed to be a game-changer in the forthcoming election.
This communication from Trump starkly undermines the principles of democracy and human rights, as well as the commendable efforts of the Yunus Administration
The subsequent lines in the tweet reinforce the assertion that former president Trump addressed the purported challenges faced by Bangladeshi Hindu minorities. These minorities are perceived as steadfast supporters of the pro-Indian Hasina administration, especially in light of opposition from supporters of "anti-Indian" figures such as Yunus. This discourse appears to align with Trump's objective of garnering support from Hindu Americans, who, whether by intent or circumstance, demonstrate a tendency to advocate for the Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. Notably, these minorities predominantly endorse the Awami League (AL) party, which is led by former prime minister Hasina and is recognized for its comparatively lenient approach towards India.
I believe that Trump’s unsolicited “sympathy” for the alleged plight of Bangladeshi Hindu minorities benefits the Yunus administration. His strong language advocating for the Hindu and Christian victims of supposed "barbaric violence" committed by mobs in the dysfunctional anti-Hasina (anti-India) government, led by Yunus, aligns with the objectives of the Modi administration and supporters of Hindutva totalitarianism in India, America, Bangladesh, and beyond.
In summary, Trump and Hindutva extremists share common interests and wish to restore the pro-Indian Hasina regime by replacing the current government, which Trump claims has plunged Bangladesh into "a state of total chaos." Paradoxically, Trump’s tweet has not yielded any benefits for Hasina and Hindutva supporters in Bangladesh.
This lack of support is primarily due to the fact that the overwhelming majority of Bangladeshis are staunchly anti-Hasina. Their opposition largely stems from Hasina's 15 years of tyranny and corruption, along with direct intervention and support from the Indian government from 2009 to 2024. As a result, many Bangladeshis are increasingly motivated to support the Yunus administration, which they view as a remedy to AL oppression and Indian hegemony.
It is evident that both Trump and Modi are aware of the general aversion most Bangladeshis have toward them. Despite this awareness, they continue to exert their influence -- Trump within America and among its allies, and Modi in India and its surrounding areas. While Trump’s tweet may have secured support from Hindu Americans, it has simultaneously alienated Bangladeshis from Modi, India, Hindutva, and their Bangladeshi supporters, particularly AL under Sheikh Hasina.
Taj Hashmi, PhD, FRAS, is a retired professor of Security Studies at the APCSS, US and is a historian-cum-cultural anthropologist and security analyst. He can be reached at [email protected].
