Michael Kugelman, Senior Fellow at the Asia Pacific Foundation, has dismissed rumors that the U.S. played a role in the downfall of the Awami League.
He noted that former U.S. President Donald Trump suspended most foreign aid and disliked “nation-building,” focusing instead on transactional relations. Kugelman added that Bangladesh was not a priority for the Trump administration, which may have spared the country from greater complications.
On rising right-wing influence, he warned that religious groups have gained more political space in the past year. If they turn violent or anti-democratic, terrorism could become the biggest concern.
Kugelman also noted instability risks following the League’s ban, while suggesting the BNP is well-positioned to return to power in upcoming elections.