Dhaka: US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen today reaffirmed Washington's commitment to strengthening economic, energy, and security cooperation with Bangladesh as the United States celebrated its 250th independence anniversary in Dhaka. Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury attended the program as the chief guest.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Finance Minister Chowdhury expressed Bangladesh's anticipation of deeper engagement from American investors and institutions, including the US International Development Finance Corporation, particularly in infrastructure, energy, digital connectivity, logistics, and services sectors. He also welcomed increased American investment and stronger supply chain cooperation between the two countries.
Chowdhury emphasized the potential for deeper cooperation between universities, researchers, entrepreneurs, and the diaspora communities living across different states in the United States. He highlighted the strong bridges built through diplomacy, trade, and educational exchanges over the years, stating the need to deepen this partnership for future generations.
Speaking at the US National Day celebration, Ambassador Christensen noted that the United States and Bangladesh were advancing a "mutually beneficial partnership" through expanded trade, investment, aviation, and energy cooperation. He referred to the recently signed Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART), which aims to maintain Bangladesh's access to the US market with competitive tariff facilities while promoting balanced trade and investment relations.
Christensen highlighted growing aviation cooperation, citing the recent aircraft deal between Boeing and Biman Bangladesh Airlines, which would modernize Bangladesh's civil aviation sector through aircraft supply, pilot training, and technical development. He also mentioned the Bangladesh-US memorandum of understanding on strategic energy cooperation, which would facilitate energy projects, industrial growth, and fuel diversification in Bangladesh.
The ambassador affirmed the United States as a reliable partner for Bangladesh's energy needs and discussed cooperation on health security issues, including measles vaccination campaigns and emergency response initiatives. Reflecting on America's independence history, he noted the principles of liberty, self-rule, and democratic governance that continue to inspire people worldwide.
Christensen announced several public outreach initiatives marking America's 250th anniversary, including the launch of themed rickshaws, an "American Founders Museum," and an "America Week" road show across Bangladesh. These celebrations aim to reflect the enduring friendship between Bangladesh and the United States and reaffirm Washington's intention to further strengthen bilateral partnerships in the future.