Bangladesh cracks down on Trump supporters after he decries anti-minority attacks

Security forces in Bangladesh launched a crackdown on supporters of US President-elect Donald Trump and scuttled a celebratory rally, days after he condemned “barbaric violence” against Hindus and other minorities in the country.
According to reports, on Friday evening, several groups of people in Dhaka and other cities who had gathered to celebrate Trump’s emphatic victory in the US election were met with swift action by authorities, stopping them from taking out the planned victory parades.
India Today has accessed videos that show police confiscating banners and posters congratulating Trump. Some placards read, “Mr President Donald Trump, love from Bangladesh.”

Later, the Bangladesh army and police conducted late-night raids, arresting several individuals for their public support of the US President-elect. India Today has learnt that the detained individuals had no political affiliations and were ordinary civilians.
The support for Trump in Bangladesh follows his recent comments on X (formerly Twitter), where he condemned attacks on Hindus and other minority groups in the country, particularly after the recent political shift with the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government.
“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. It would have never happened on my watch,” Trump wrote.
Incidentally, in the days leading up to the crackdown, Chief Advisor to Bangladesh’s interim government, Muhammad Yunus, sent Trump a congratulatory message expressing hopes for bilateral cooperation.
In his letter, Yunus underscored Bangladesh’s commitment to peace and inclusivity, subtly responding to Trump’s remarks on atrocities against minorities.
“Excellency, aligning with our commitment to a peaceful and inclusive society, the government and the peace-loving people of Bangladesh look forward to partner and collaborate in your efforts in addressing the global challenges in the pursuit of peace, harmony, stability, and prosperity for all,” Yunus wrote.
Trump’s statement was his first public comment on the issue of minorities being targeted in Bangladesh. He also pledged to strengthen the US-India partnership, citing his “good friend” Prime Minister Narendra Modi.