Dhaka: Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman has announced that Bangladesh's relations with the United States are advancing in a 'very positive direction' as both nations aim to enhance cooperation in key areas such as trade, investment, energy, migration, and regional concerns. The statement was made following a meeting with U.S. President's Special Envoy for South and Central Asia, Ambassador Sergio Gor, at the state guest house Padma in the capital.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the meeting was also attended by Prime Minister's Adviser on Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir. The foreign minister emphasized the increasing momentum in Bangladesh-U.S. relations and the focus on strengthening the longstanding partnership. He described the discussions as productive, noting that Bangladesh and the United States currently enjoy an excellent bilateral relationship.
Dr. Rahman mentioned his recent engagements with senior U.S. officials in Manila, where he met Ambassador Gor on the sidelines of the ASEAN meetings and also held talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The discussions covered a wide range of bilateral issues, including trade, investment, energy cooperation, and migration, though the details were discussed broadly.
The foreign minister clarified that there was no discussion on Bangladesh's relations with China or India and noted no indication of U.S. concerns regarding those issues. On energy cooperation, he highlighted an existing energy memorandum of understanding between Bangladesh and the United States, while Dhaka continues to seek international cooperation to address its energy requirements.
Regarding Bangladesh's aviation sector, Rahman informed that besides Biman Bangladesh Airlines' fleet expansion, a Bangladeshi private airline had recently placed a significant order for Boeing aircraft, showcasing the country's growing aviation industry. On the Rohingya crisis, he acknowledged the United States as Bangladesh's largest humanitarian partner, providing over half of the international assistance for the displaced Myanmar nationals in Bangladesh.
He dismissed reports suggesting a U.S. proposal for a humanitarian corridor into Myanmar, affirming there was no such discussion. Addressing U.S. tariffs, the foreign minister stated Bangladesh had been placed in the 10 percent tariff category under Section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act, securing a critical concession under a tariff quota arrangement for garments made with American cotton or U.S.-made man-made fibres.
Dr. Rahman also mentioned ongoing discussions with the United States regarding the withdrawal of sanctions on the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB). The meeting included conversations about his upcoming role as President of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 8 and the expected close engagement with the U.S., a principal architect of the United Nations.
Addressing emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, Rahman noted the rapidly evolving global landscape with competing technological systems and anticipated continued discussions as international positions become clearer.