Bangladesh concerned about Trump policy on trade, security

Bangladesh is among the countries concerned at the manner in which the new US president Donald Trump has begun implementing his protectionist and populist campaign pledges after taking oath of office.

According to diplomats and officials concerned, Trump's next moves on immigration, trade, climate change, and security issues will have implications for Dhaka.

As Trump assumed office on Friday, the Bangladesh government will now closely observe the steps to be taken by the new US administration and thus try to pursue policies and strategies as required in the given circumstances, a highly placed source in Dhaka told Prothom Alo.

Another source, in Washington, said on Saturday that a 'responsible official' of the government contacted the US administration and political quarters to carry forward the bilateral relations, based on current cooperation between the two countries.

Former Bangladesh ambassador to the US Humayun Kabir has underlined the importance of taking some quick steps observing the Trump administration's policies and steps.

"Dhaka will have to determine its policy, based on objective analysis of the initial steps being taken by Donald Trump," he told Prothom Alo, insisting that communications and understanding need to be developed with the new administration.

Ambassador Kabir feels that Dhaka has to convey Washington the message that Bangladesh wants to take forward its relations with the United States to a new height.

Immediately after Trump's election victory, prime minister Sheikh Hasina congratulated him, describing his victory as the 45th US president as "a testimony to your extraordinary leadership quality to serving the American people and also the global humanity."

In her message to Trump, Sheikh Hasina also expressed confidence that under his leadership, the existing bilateral relations between Dhaka and Washington would be further strengthened.

In Trump's priority list of 200 executive orders under his consideration, the programme for legalisation of the children of the immigrants is the key one which may affect some Bangladshis in the USA. If the Trump administration takes strict action against illegal immigrants, Bangladeshis may be affected.

Also, extreme vetting in issuance of visa for Bangladeshis may create delay and hassle for visa seekers, especially students from the country.

It is also apprehended that Trump's potentially protectionist trade policy may curtail Bangladesh's competitive advantage in exporting goods, though not duty-free, to the US market.

If the new administration imposes import duty at a high rate on finished goods, as promised by Trump campaign, Bangladesh exports would be affected.

The new US administration reportedly said on Friday its trade strategy to protect American jobs would start with withdrawal from the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade pact.

If the Trump administration really backtracks on the climate change policy pursued by the Obama administration, climate negotiations will simply collapse. Bangladesh, being one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change effects, may lose out in absence of global coalition on addressing the climate change effects.

Dhaka and Washington, though not bound by any contract on military alliance, still have significant cooperation in the areas of security.

The new US president has oversimplified his foreign policy approach by targetting only the Islamic State whereas president Barack Obama built certain rapport and confidence with the Muslim nations in this regard.

Whether Donald Trump has exposed any anti-Muslim sentiment remains a concern.

Trump's move to withdraw all ambassadors appointed on political considerations suggests that his steps were not well thought out, other than providing surprises.

According to diplomats, his "America first" policy may limit the programmes, activities and ideological missions the lone superpower in the post-cold war era have carried out in many countries including Bangladesh.

Source: Prothom Alo