Bangladesh’s relations with the United States are moving in a "very positive direction," according to Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman. Speaking to journalists after a meeting with U.S. President’s Special Envoy for South and Central Asia Ambassador Sergio Gor at the state guest house Padma in Dhaka, Rahman emphasized the growing momentum in bilateral ties and the potential for further cooperation. "Our bilateral relationship is now moving in a very positive direction and we expect it to progress further in the coming days," he said.
The meeting, which also included Prime Minister’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir, covered a broad range of issues such as trade, investment, energy cooperation, and migration. "We had a very productive discussion. Bangladesh and the United States currently enjoy an excellent bilateral relationship, and we discussed how to take it forward," Rahman noted.
Rahman highlighted recent engagements with senior U.S. officials, including talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio during the ASEAN meetings in Manila. He also mentioned that the discussions did not delve into specifics but rather focused on broad terms.
On energy cooperation, Rahman said Bangladesh and the United States already have an energy memorandum of understanding, and Dhaka continues to seek cooperation from various countries to address its energy needs. Regarding the aviation sector, he informed the U.S. side about Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ fleet expansion and a significant order for Boeing aircraft by a private Bangladeshi airline.
The foreign minister also addressed the Rohingya crisis, noting that the United States remains Bangladesh’s largest humanitarian partner. Both sides discussed maintaining international pressure on Myanmar and the hope for continued U.S. support in finding a sustainable solution. Rahman dismissed reports of a proposed humanitarian corridor into Myanmar, stating that no such proposal was made.
Rahman concluded by mentioning ongoing discussions with the United States on the withdrawal of sanctions imposed on the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and his forthcoming assumption of office as President of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 8.
