Trump congratulates Tarique: Washington urges Dhaka to grow trade pact, settle defence deals
Staff Reporter :
United States President Donald Trump has congratulated Bangladesh’s newly sworn-in Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on assuming office and urged Dhaka to accelerate implementation of a recently signed trade pact while concluding pending defence agreements with Washington.
In a congratulatory letter disclosed by Ministry of Foreign Affairs on its official X account, Trump conveyed his best wishes to Tarique as he began his term following the BNP’s sweeping victory in the 13th National Parliamentary Election.
Tarique took the oath on Tuesday (17 February) and formally assumed office the following day.
Describing the electoral victory as “historic,” the US president underlined the strategic importance of bilateral ties, stating that the partnership between the two countries is rooted in “mutual respect and a shared interest in fostering a free and open Indo-Pacific where strong, sovereign nations can prosper.”
Trump emphasised the need to sustain what he termed “tremendous momentum” in bilateral trade through the implementation of the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade signed earlier this month.
“As you begin your term, I hope you will help me maintain the tremendous momentum in our trade relationship through the implementation of our Agreement on Reciprocal Trade, which benefits farmers and workers in both of our countries,” the letter read.
The trade agreement, signed on 9 February, reduced Bangladesh’s reciprocal tariff rate with the United States to 19%.
In exchange, Bangladesh secured zero reciprocal tariffs on readymade garments exported to the US that are produced using American cotton and man-made fibre — a move seen as a significant boost for the country’s export-oriented apparel sector.
However, the agreement also contains strategic provisions beyond trade in goods.
According to the text published by the Office of the United States Trade Representative, Bangladesh “shall endeavor to increase purchases of US military equipment and limit military equipment purchases from certain countries.”
The clause effectively links expanded defence procurement from the United States to the broader trade framework.
In his message, Trump pressed for swift action on pending defence arrangements.
“I also hope you will take decisive action to complete the routine defence agreements that would finally give your military access to high-end, American-made equipment — the best in the world!” he wrote.
The reference is understood to concern longstanding US proposals aimed at deepening defence cooperation, including access to advanced platforms and interoperability frameworks in the Indo-Pacific region.
Trump further expressed confidence in the US diplomatic mission in Dhaka, noting that Ambassador Brent Christensen had his “full confidence.”
He concluded by expressing optimism about strengthening bilateral relations: “Together, we have an opportunity to make both of our nations more prosperous and secure.”
The exchange comes at a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s political trajectory.
Tarique’s assumption of office follows a decisive parliamentary majority secured by the BNP, marking a significant shift in the country’s political landscape after years of intense contestation.
The United States and Bangladesh maintain longstanding cooperation across trade, development assistance, counterterrorism, maritime security, and regional stability.
Washington has consistently framed Bangladesh as a key partner in advancing its Indo-Pacific strategy, particularly in ensuring open sea lanes and resilient supply chains.
While the trade agreement is already in force, the defence components are expected to require further technical negotiations and formalisation in the months ahead.
Analysts say how quickly Dhaka moves on defence procurement diversification — and how it balances existing military partnerships — will signal the strategic direction of the new administration.
For now, Trump’s message sets a clear tone: Washington is ready to deepen ties with the new government — but expects reciprocal steps to translate diplomatic goodwill into tangible economic and security commitments.