What Could Modi And Trump Do To Safeguard Bangladesh’s Stability And Hindu Minorities?

This is an edited excerpt from a longer conversation on the podcast Trump's Win: What Next For Bangladesh's Hindus, Hasina, & Yunus with Jaideep Mazumdar. To listen to the full episode on Spotify, click here, and for the app, click here.

With the recent political shifts in Bangladesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President-elect Donald Trump face a pressing question: how to address the escalating violence against religious minorities, especially Hindus, and restore stability in Bangladesh. 

This quiet tolerance for human rights abuses shifted when Trump posted on X on 31 October, condemning what he described as "barbaric violence" against Bangladesh’s minorities. 

Trump’s post broke the silence, shedding light on the plight of minority communities and Bangladesh’s growing unrest. However, for Modi and Trump to make a meaningful impact, a strategic approach is crucial.

1. Not Washington's Priority

Modi, therefore, may need to step in and prompt the US to address Bangladesh’s unrest and religious violence as an international priority.

2. India’s Role in Raising Awareness

Given the urgency of the situation, the Modi government can offer a proactive voice. India shares not only geographic proximity but also cultural and social ties with Bangladesh, making it well-placed to advocate for immediate international intervention. 

This intervention, ideally, would prompt the Bangladeshi leadership to implement protections for vulnerable groups, limiting violence and restoring a semblance of order.

3. Pushing for Early Elections

Beyond immediate pressure, Modi and Trump could jointly advocate for early elections in Bangladesh, a demand already echoed by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

Working alongside the US, India can push Bangladesh’s administration and international allies to hold elections sooner rather than later, ensuring a peaceful transition and a government more aligned with democratic principles.

4. Issue Might Persist

Even with these interventions, attacks on minorities, especially against Hindus, may not cease entirely. Observers suggest that after the US election, while large-scale violence may decline, isolated attacks could continue in a “low key” manner.

In conclusion, while immediate, sweeping change is unlikely, Modi and Trump have avenues to impact Bangladesh’s trajectory meaningfully. Through India’s diplomatic advocacy, US support, and early election pressures, there is potential to reduce violence, safeguard minority rights, and steer Bangladesh towards a more stable and inclusive future.