The United States has signalled its readiness to engage with Bangladesh’s next elected government, a message conveyed by US Ambassador-designate to Bangladesh Brent Christensen during his swearing-in ceremony, sources said.
Speaking at the ceremony, Christensen reaffirmed Washington’s support for Bangladesh’s democratic transition and expressed optimism about working with the country’s future leadership.
“The United States supports Bangladesh in its journey towards a bright democratic future. I am excited to see the results and look forward to what the newly elected government and I can do together to advance US–Bangladesh relations,” he said.
US officials underscored their expectation of a peaceful, free, and fair election in Bangladesh, viewing political stability as essential for deepening bilateral cooperation. Washington, officials said, remains willing to extend political support to ensure a credible electoral process.
The ceremony was attended by visiting National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman, Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States Tareq Md Ariful Islam, former US ambassadors to Bangladesh Marcia Bernicat and Peter Haas, and senior State Department officials. The oath of office was administered by US Deputy Secretary of State Michael J Rigas.
A senior foreign ministry official present at the event said the overall tone of the engagement was positive. “The message was clear that engagement will intensify once the new government assumes office after the election,” the official noted.
Another official described Dhaka–Washington relations as dynamic and forward-looking. “From trade and investment to Rohingya cooperation, the direction of future collaboration will depend on how the next Bangladeshi leadership engages with the US side,” the official said.
The national security adviser held a series of meetings on Thursday and Friday, during which he urged US officials to maintain close engagement with Bangladesh’s political leadership to carry forward bilateral initiatives after the election.
On the election, an official said Washington strongly favours a peaceful and credible vote. “They want stability in Bangladesh, which they see as essential for expanding trade, investment and broader engagement.”
During his visit, Khalilur met US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, State Department Under Secretary for Political Affairs Allison Hooker, and Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Paul Kapur. Discussions covered trade, the Rohingya crisis, immigration, visa bonds, Development Finance Corporation (DFC) financing, and the possible deployment of an international stabilisation force in Gaza.
Positive signals for future engagement
Former ambassadors believe both countries are moving in the right direction to strengthen future engagement, stressing the need for consistent follow-up on key issues by Bangladesh’s next leadership.
Former ambassador Md Abdul Hye described recent developments as encouraging. “This is a positive step. Washington is an important partner for Dhaka, and maintaining a strong mutual understanding with the United States is essential,” he said.
He noted that cooperation on trade, the Rohingya crisis, immigration, visa bond requirements, DFC financing, and Gaza-related deployments would require sustained dialogue. “The future leadership will need to engage proactively to move these issues forward,” he added.
Another former ambassador, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Washington appeared broadly satisfied with Dhaka’s recent approach, pointing to the US decision to reduce its proposed reciprocal tariff on Bangladesh from an initial 37 per cent to 20 per cent.
“The next government will need to preserve these gains and build on them,” he said.
High-level meetings in Washington
During a meeting with Under Secretary Allison Hooker, NSA Khalilur Rahman briefed US officials on preparations for the upcoming general election and expressed appreciation for US support to the interim government, including assistance related to the electoral process.
Hooker reiterated Washington’s strong backing for Bangladesh’s democratic transition and said the US looked forward to a free and fair election in February.
Rahman also raised concerns over the recent visa bond requirement and requested easing travel restrictions for Bangladeshi businesspeople, including possible exemptions for short-term B1 business visas. Hooker acknowledged the concern and said the issue would be considered positively. She added that if tourist overstays decline significantly, the US could review the bond requirements in the future.
On the Rohingya crisis, Rahman thanked the US for its continued support, noting that Washington remains the largest donor to the displaced population sheltered in Bangladesh. Hooker stressed the need for broader international burden-sharing and urged Bangladesh to expand livelihood opportunities for the Rohingyas during their stay.
Rahman also expressed Bangladesh’s interest, in principle, in participating in an international stabilisation force for Gaza. Hooker said the US was willing to work with Bangladesh on the matter.
In a separate meeting with Assistant Secretary Paul Kapur, the NSA discussed the forthcoming election, bilateral relations, the Rohingya crisis, visa bonds, trade and investment, and broader regional issues.
