Bangladesh eager to collaborate closely with Trump administration: Chief Adviser

Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday invited leading Republican Party figures to visit Bangladesh to observe the Interim Government’s initiatives aimed at restoring democracy in the country.

The invitation was extended during a meeting with senior officials of the International Republican Institute (IRI) at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka. The IRI, a think tank affiliated with the Republican Party, focuses on promoting democracy globally. Led by its regional chief, Steve Cima, the visiting IRI delegation has been engaging with politicians, student groups, and civil society representatives during their stay in Bangladesh.

Cima emphasized the IRI’s commitment to supporting the Interim Government’s reform efforts, particularly in response to widespread demands for strengthening the country’s critical institutions. 

“Under the Awami League, concerns were raised about the country's trajectory,” Cima noted, adding that successful reforms in Bangladesh align with U.S. interests.

Professor Yunus assured that the government would conduct elections following the implementation of essential reforms. He metaphorically stated that the "train for the election" had already departed the first station, with the establishment of a new election commission paving the way for the upcoming general election.

He also expressed Bangladesh’s willingness to collaborate closely with the incoming administration of U.S. President Donald Trump.

The Chief Adviser reiterated his intent to invite prominent Republican Senators and Congress members to witness the transformative changes brought about by the student-led mass movement. 

The meeting was attended by IRI officials Geoffrey Macdonald and Joshua Rosemblum, alongside senior Bangladeshi government official Lamiya Morshed.