US support is a positive sign for Bangladesh

As Bangladesh steers significant challenges, ranging from economic instability to institutional reform, the prospect of US assistance offers a much-needed opportunity for progress—not only in addressing current difficulties but also in shaping future plans for sustainable development.

As the chief advisor outlines plans for reforms, external support, especially from an ally like the US, could prove invaluable. While questions remain regarding the specifics, here is what experts think.

'US assistance is a positive development for our current challenges, future plans'

Humayun Kabir, former ambassador of Bangladesh to the United States

The development of the US-Bangladesh relations, in my opinion, is positive. The reason is that, at this moment, our needs and their commitment to cooperation are aligned, which brings us a sense of relief.

We are currently facing numerous challenges, especially economic ones, such as issues in the banking sector, foreign currency shortages, money laundering, and fuel crises. To overcome these challenges, we require support, and yesterday's meeting with the US delegation provided us with some assurance that they will stand by us, which is reassuring.

Additionally, regarding the reforms we are working on, while we are capable of doing many things ourselves, we may still require external technical support, and we can seek their cooperation in these areas as well.

I believe that their assistance will be a positive development for both our current challenges and our future plans.

On the other hand, we have not received any assurances from any other source regarding assistance in addressing our current economic challenges. In this context, as the US is stepping forward to cooperate with us, I do not see any reason why we shouldn't work with them, nor do I believe that doing so will upset any other countries.

I also don't think their cooperation will significantly influence us internally. Beyond economic strengthening, we need to undertake many reforms. For a long time, the US has been advising us on political and institutional reforms, and we are now working on institutional reforms. They didn't specifically mention these reforms in the current context, but for our own benefit, we are implementing reforms—such as banking and stock market reforms. Six commissions have been established to reform various institutions. If we want to make our democratic framework sustainable, there is no alternative to these reforms. We must carry them out. And if the US helps us while we're doing this, there is no issue with that.

The essence of bilateral friendship is standing by each other in times of need. In that case, we will welcome those who come to support us. But this doesn't mean that we will view it as a trade-off or that we will harm our relations with others.

Keeping our own needs and interests in mind, we will maintain relations with everyone and work with whoever we need to, on whatever issue requires collaboration at the time.

'US dev support won't harm our relations with other countries'

Dr Imtiaz Ahmed, professor of International Relations at the University of Dhaka

It's too early to talk about the significance of the recent US support to Bangladesh. We can only speak once the specifics come out, such as which sectors we will receive support in.

So far, that hasn't been made clear. We will know when it's revealed whether there is any specific financial commitment, what the terms of reference are, whether they will provide support for infrastructure, budgetary support, or something else.

For now, in general, they have assured our chief advisor that they will provide support, which is a positive sign.

If the US helps us with development, such as in infrastructure and budgetary support, it won't harm our relations with other countries because it's a win-win situation. When Bangladesh develops, other countries will also benefit from it.

However, our government will decide what kind of development we need and set our priorities. My point is, that if any development isn't aligned with the ordinary people's interest, it won't be sustainable.

Infrastructure development is undoubtedly a crucial matter, there's no doubt about that. Beyond that, we also need improvements in the healthcare sector. Many of our people go to Bangkok and Singapore for treatment, which is a huge loss for the country. This could be changed and would reduce a significant financial drain. We also need support in education.

However, in the end, the new government will set the priorities for which sectors they seek help from the US.