Trump Denies Deep State Role in Bangladesh Crisis, Says "Leave It to PM Modi"

Washington DC/New Delhi: Amid ongoing political turmoil in Bangladesh, US President Donald Trump dismissed allegations of American involvement in the country's regime change, asserting that the matter should be handled by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

During a joint press briefing with PM Modi in Washington DC, a journalist questioned President Trump on whether the previous Democratic administration under Joe Biden had orchestrated a political shift in Bangladesh, which saw Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus assume the role of chief adviser while former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India.

Trump's Response: No Role for the Deep State

“There was no role for our deep state,” President Trump said, firmly rejecting the speculation that the US had a hand in Bangladesh's leadership change. “This is something that the Prime Minister has been working on for a long time—hundreds of years, frankly, I have been reading about it. I will leave Bangladesh to the Prime Minister.”

While Trump did not directly address the question of alleged US involvement, his response indicated that the new administration may not actively intervene in Bangladesh's political crisis. Observers suggest that the Republican leader is signaling a shift from previous US policies in South Asia, choosing to let India take the lead on regional matters.

Deteriorating India-Bangladesh Relations

The political situation in Bangladesh has remained volatile since August, when Sheikh Hasina was forced to flee Dhaka amid large-scale anti-government protests. The interim government, led by Yunus, has faced international scrutiny, particularly for its inability to curb rising violence against religious minorities, including Hindus.

India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that PM Modi had raised concerns over recent developments in Bangladesh during his talks with President Trump.

“This was a subject that was discussed between the two leaders,” Misri told reporters after the meeting. “The Prime Minister shared his views and, indeed, his concerns regarding the situation in Bangladesh and how India perceives it.”

Growing International Attention

India has maintained strong ties with Sheikh Hasina’s administration in the past, and her exile has strained relations between the two nations. Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s new government faces mounting pressure from both domestic and international observers to restore stability and protect minority communities.

While Washington has largely refrained from making direct comments on the situation, Trump’s remarks suggest that under his leadership, the US may take a step back from direct involvement, allowing India to navigate the evolving political landscape in its neighboring country.

PM Modi is currently on a two-day visit to the United States, where he also met billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk to discuss potential investments in India’s technology and space sectors.