UNIPA News(Dhaka)United States President Donald Trump has congratulated Bangladesh’s newly sworn-in Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, urging Dhaka to accelerate implementation of its recently signed trade pact while swiftly finalizing pending defence agreements with Washington.
In a letter released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh on its official X account, Trump described the BNP’s sweeping parliamentary victory as “historic” and stressed the strategic importance of bilateral ties, rooted in “mutual respect and a shared interest in fostering a free and open Indo-Pacific where strong, sovereign nations can prosper.”
Tarique took the oath on Tuesday, 17 February, and officially assumed office the following day.
Highlighting trade as a priority, Trump urged the new administration to sustain the “tremendous momentum” in bilateral commerce through the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade, signed earlier this month. The deal reduces Bangladesh’s reciprocal tariff rate with the United States to 19% and grants zero reciprocal tariffs on readymade garments exported to the US if produced with American cotton or man-made fibre — a move expected to significantly boost Bangladesh’s export-oriented apparel sector.
Beyond trade, the agreement includes strategic provisions that tie increased defence procurement from the United States to the broader trade framework. Trump called for quick action on pending defence arrangements, noting that completing these agreements would give Bangladesh’s military access to “high-end, American-made equipment — the best in the world.” These measures are understood to relate to longstanding US proposals to deepen defence cooperation, including advanced platforms and interoperability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Trump also expressed confidence in the US diplomatic mission in Dhaka, singling out Ambassador Brent Christensen as having his “full confidence,” and concluded with a call for strengthened bilateral relations: “Together, we have an opportunity to make both of our nations more prosperous and secure.”
The message arrives at a pivotal moment for Bangladesh’s political trajectory. Tarique’s leadership follows a decisive parliamentary majority secured by the BNP, marking a major shift in the country’s political landscape.
The US and Bangladesh maintain long-standing cooperation across trade, development assistance, counterterrorism, maritime security, and regional stability. Analysts note that the speed at which Dhaka advances defence procurement diversification — while balancing existing military partnerships — will signal the strategic direction of the new administration.
For now, Trump’s message sets a clear tone: Washington is ready to deepen ties with Dhaka, but expects reciprocal steps to turn diplomatic goodwill into tangible economic and security commitments.
