Ties with Bangladesh more important than ever: Paul Kapur

The United States and Bangladesh enjoy a relationship that is “more important than ever,” according to S Paul Kapur, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs.

Speaking at a National Day reception organised by the Embassy of Bangladesh in Washington, DC, on Thursday evening, Kapur highlighted the strategic, economic, and governance-related cooperation between the two countries.

In a verified post on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, the State Department official said, “I attended the National Day reception at the Embassy of Bangladesh to speak about our bilateral relations. Today, the US-Bangladesh relationship matters more than ever.

Our cooperation in areas including security, trade, and governance, as well as our shared values, makes our countries more prosperous and secure.”

During his remarks at the embassy event, Kapur expressed optimism about the future of bilateral relations.

He emphasised collaboration across business, trade, energy, agriculture, and security sectors, noting Bangladesh’s crucial strategic position among US partners.

“What happens in the sea or along borders affects security not just in India and the wider Indo-Pacific, but globally,” he said.

Without directly mentioning China, Kapur alluded to the geopolitical competition in the region.

He stressed that the US does not pressure Bangladesh to take sides, adding, “We offer advanced technology that Bangladesh can use independently to protect its sovereignty.”

The embassy noted that Kapur’s participation underscored the enduring importance of the US-Bangladesh partnership, both in regional security and in fostering prosperity through shared values and cooperation.