Trump congratulates Tarique, urges progress on trade and defence deals
The US president has conveyed his best wishes to the Bangladesh PM and expressed his desire to work together in the spirit of mutual respect and shared interests.
US President Donald Trump has congratulated Tarique Rahman on his assumption of office as the prime minister of Bangladesh and pushed for progress on trade and defence deals between the two countries.
In a congratulatory message, Trump conveyed his best wishes to Tarique and expressed his desire to work together in the spirit of mutual respect and shared interests.
In a post on social media X, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh disclosed the message from Trump, in which he says, "The partnership between our countries is based on mutual respect and a shared interest in fostering a free and open Indo-Pacific where strong, sovereign nations can prosper."
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The letter reads, "As you begin your term, I hope you will help me maintain the tremendous momentum in our trade relationship through the implementation of our Agreement on Reciprocal Trade, which benefits farmers and workers in both of our countries."
"I also hope you will take decisive action to complete the routine defence agreements that would finally give your military access to high-end, American-made equipment - the best in the world!" wrote Trump.
He continued, "I look forward to working with you to make the relationship between the United States and Bangladesh stronger than ever before. My Ambassador to Bangladesh, Brent Christensen, has my full confidence.
"Together, we have an opportunity to make both of our nations more prosperous and secure. Good luck to you in the days ahead!"
Tarique Rahman took the oath as the prime minister on Tuesday (17 February) and assumed office yesterday (18 February) following the BNP's landslide victory in the 13th national elections.
The United States and Bangladesh maintain longstanding relations, cooperating in trade, development, security, and regional stability.
A bilateral trade agreement, signed on 9 February, reduced Bangladesh's reciprocal tariff rate with the US to 19%. In return, Bangladesh will benefit from zero reciprocal tariffs on readymade garments exported to the US that are produced using American cotton and man-made fibre.
Under the agreement, Bangladesh will have to expand imports of defence equipment from the United States, while limiting military procurement from certain other countries.
The agreement published by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) states, "Bangladesh shall endeavor to increase purchases of US military equipment and limit military equipment purchases from certain countries.
