Interim Govt Sees New Momentum in Bangladesh–US Ties

File photo: Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has said that one of the most significant achievements of the interim government's foreign policy over the past 15 months has been building a strong foundation for a new chapter in Bangladesh–United States relations, particularly through enhanced cooperation with the American agricultural sector and influential farm lobby.

In a statement shared from his verified Facebook account on Sunday, Alam said the interim government has taken strategic steps to strengthen Bangladesh’s position in global trade by engaging sectors that hold real political influence in Washington.

Leveraging Agricultural Trade for Strategic Gains

Alam noted that Bangladesh’s growing economic partnership with the US farm lobby has the potential to reshape bilateral trade dynamics.

“Our garment exporters already have the capacity to purchase the entirety of US cotton exports,” he said.

He explained that once Bangladesh firmly establishes itself as a major agricultural trade partner, Washington’s powerful farm lobby itself could advocate for Bangladesh’s market access interests, reducing the country’s reliance on high-cost lobbying firms.

“Japan, China, Southeast Asian nations, and Western European countries have all prospered by developing strong trade ties with the United States. We now have the opportunity to follow a similar path,” he added.

Role of Key Diplomatic Engagements

Alam recalled that shortly after Khalilur Rahman was appointed High Representative on Rohingya Affairs — and later National Security Adviser — Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus sent him to Washington in February to engage the new US administration.

Khalil, a veteran diplomat with long experience in global trade policy, quickly established communication with major US agricultural stakeholders, he said.

“Bangladesh is a major importer of agricultural commodities, while the United States is a leading global exporter of soybeans, wheat, cotton and corn. Expanding agricultural imports from the US supports our food security — a core national security concern,” Alam stated.

He said strengthening ties with US suppliers also reduces Bangladesh’s dependence on a small number of sourcing countries, limiting the risk of food supplies being used as geopolitical leverage.

Strategic Outcomes and Trade Negotiations

Alam credited these diplomatic efforts for Bangladesh’s recent progress in tariff discussions and trade facilitation.

“Khalil helped build a bridge between Bangladeshi importers and the US farm lobby — a relationship that played a crucial role in our successful recent tariff negotiations,” he said.

He added that the lead negotiator also helped secure tariff structures that protect Bangladesh’s garment exports, which remain the backbone of the national economy.

Earlier this week, Bangladeshi importers pledged to purchase over $1 billion worth of American agricultural products — a move Alam described as a “mutually beneficial breakthrough” and a marker of growing trust between the two nations.

He noted that with China now sourcing most of its soybeans from Brazil, Bangladesh is well positioned to fill part of the resulting market gap for US exporters.

A Shift in Diplomatic Focus

This emerging agricultural trade partnership is now taking center stage in Bangladesh–US diplomatic engagement, Alam said, describing it as a strategic vision guided and accelerated under the interim administration.

He added that the foundation laid during this period is expected to give the next elected government leverage in future trade and strategic dialogues with Washington.