Bangladesh and the United States have pledged to strengthen economic cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

The assurance came during a 15-minute phone conversation on Sunday between Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The discussion was described as “warm, cordial, and constructive,” according to a statement from the Chief Adviser’s press wing.

Both leaders discussed a range of bilateral issues, including trade, democratic transition, and humanitarian aid for Rohingya refugees. The US State Department said the conversation reflected “shared commitment to deepening economic ties and enhancing security in the Indo-Pacific.”

Secretary Rubio expressed support for Bangladesh’s reform initiatives and the planned national election scheduled for early next year. Both sides voiced optimism about concluding ongoing talks on tariffs, aiming to boost bilateral trade. The US remains Bangladesh’s top export destination and a major source of remittance.

Yunus also highlighted a recent “excellent” meeting in Washington between Bangladesh’s National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman and US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau. He thanked US President Donald Trump for temporarily suspending reciprocal tariff measures for 90 days, noting that both governments are now working on a broader trade response plan.

On the domestic front, Yunus assured that preparations for free and fair elections are underway. “The Election Commission is working hard to reorganise the electoral system, which was destroyed by the previous government,” he said, while calling for continued US support in the democratic transition.

Regarding the Rohingya crisis, Yunus praised the US for being the top donor since 2017 and said Bangladesh is optimistic about a viable repatriation plan. He also discussed regional dynamics, stressing the importance of a peaceful Indo-Pacific and positive relations with neighboring countries.

Finally, Yunus invited Rubio to visit Bangladesh before the general election to witness the country’s democratic progress. “It will inspire our young people,” he stated.

BOB Post