The Trump administration has sharply cut foreign aid and shown "little interest" in promoting democracy or nation-building in Bangladesh, according to Michael Kugelman, an American foreign policy author and expert specialising in South Asia.
Referring to recent telephone conversations between Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Kugelman said official readouts from both governments indicate that Washington now views its relationship with Dhaka through the lenses of trade and great-power competition, reports UNB.
Kugelman mentioned that the pair spoke about strengthening economic ties and partnering on enhancing security in the Indo-Pacific – the latter of which, for the US, means countering China.
Both goals present challenges for Dhaka, Kugelman said.
Bangladesh will face a 37% US tariff if it does not work out a trade deal with Washington, he added.
Kugelman observed that Bangladesh has long pursued a non-aligned foreign policy, aiming to balance its ties with major powers rather than siding with or against them.
On Monday, Prof Muhammad Yunus spoke by phone with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, marking one of the highest-level Bangladesh–US engagements so far during the second Trump administration.
The call provides a window into how the United States may approach its relationship with Bangladesh – one that has shifted significantly since Trump returned to office, Kugelman said.
During the phone call, both sides affirmed their 'shared commitment' to deepening economic ties between the two countries.
The US Secretary of State and Chief Adviser also affirmed their shared commitment to 'enhancing security and stability' throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
"The Secretary and Chief Adviser affirmed their shared commitment to deepening economic ties between the United States and Bangladesh and to enhancing security and stability throughout the Indo-Pacific region," said Spokesperson at the US Department Tammy Bruce after the telephone conversations.
In April this year, Chief Adviser Prof Yunus held an emergency meeting with top experts, advisers and officials, giving necessary directives to deal with the US tariff issue.
The US had announced a 37% tariff on imports from Bangladesh as part of Trump's sweeping new "Reciprocal Tariffs" policy.
The government hopes that their ongoing discussions with the US will help address the tariff issue.
A follow-up meeting is scheduled to be held in the US on July 8.
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