Diplomatic Correspondent :
As the inauguration of newly elected US President Donald Trump approaches, the interim government of Bangladesh is optimistic about expanding cooperation with the United States under the new administration.
While countries worldwide recalibrate their diplomatic strategies in response to the change in leadership, Bangladesh remains hopeful about fostering new areas of collaboration with the US.
Meanwhile, Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus extended greetings to Donald Trump marking his sworn-in for a second term as president of the United States of America (USA) in Washington DC on Tuesday.
In a message, the Chief Adviser expressed a strong belief that both nations would collaborate to explore new opportunities for cooperation,” stated a release from the Bangladesh foreign ministry shared with the media yesterday afternoon.
International experts are also anticipating enhanced bilateral cooperation between Bangladesh and the US under the Trump administration.
“We expect a positive relationship with the US under Donald Trump’s leadership. However, I believe the Trump administration will pay significant attention to the election and the elected government of Bangladesh,” said international analyst Professor Imtiaz Ahmed in an interview with The New Nation on Monday.
“During the previous Bangladeshi government, relations with the Biden administration deteriorated due to several issues, including the parliamentary elections. The US government has already begun discussions regarding election-related matters once again,” he added.
Regarding relations with the Trump administration, Professor Ahmed noted, “Dr Yunus had a personal relationship with Biden. This time, the government should actively engage with the Trump administration, as Bangladesh has multifaceted relations with the US, including trade.”
He also mentioned that the Trump administration is expected to focus on India, as relations had cooled during the Democratic government.
In a statement issued ahead of the swearing-in ceremony, Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry expressed optimism for the future of bilateral ties.
“Donald Trump’s election as President of the United States was followed by a congratulatory message from the Chief Adviser to the Interim Government, Professor Muhammad Yunus,” the statement read.
“In that message, the Chief Adviser expressed a strong belief that both countries would collaborate to explore new areas of cooperation. We reaffirm our belief and extend our best wishes to Donald Trump as he begins his new term.”
On 15 January, Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain addressed the media, reassuring the public that the transition in US leadership would not negatively impact Bangladesh-US relations.
“The relationship between Bangladesh and the United States, or any major country, is not dependent on a specific government. When a new government takes office, they may have their own statements, and we will observe accordingly. There is no need for speculation,” he stated.
Touhid Hossain expressed confidence that the change in the US government would not cause any setbacks in bilateral ties.
“I believe the transition will not disrupt our relationship. We expect it to continue smoothly,” he stated, emphasising that international relations are an ongoing process that evolves over time.
He also highlighted Bangladesh’s intention to maintain balanced relationships with key global partners, including the United States, India, and China.
“Our relationships with India, China, and the United States are of great importance. We will maintain a balanced relationship with all three. Our priority is to protect our national interests without causing discontent to any party,” he said.
Touhid Hossain reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to strategic diplomacy based on mutual respect and national priorities.
As world leaders and diplomats gather for the inauguration ceremony on 20 January (US local time), Bangladesh has received an official invitation to attend.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Rafiqul Alam confirmed on 16 January that Bangladesh’s Ambassador to the United States, Asad Alam Siam, would represent the country at the event.
“It is customary for heads of foreign missions to be invited to the US President’s inauguration, and this tradition is being followed once again,” he said, noting that the invitation was extended specifically to heads of foreign missions in Washington.
