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Speaking at a seminar organized by the South Asia Institute of Policy and Governance (SIPG) at North South University (NSU) on Monday, Denlwich noted, “Many countries are eager to secure trade deals with the US, but the capacity of the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) and other agencies is limited. It’s unfair to criticize one side without understanding the other’s position.” He added that the third round of trade talks between Bangladesh and the US is set to begin soon, though it remains unclear if it will lead to a final agreement.
The seminar, chaired by NSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, addressed US-Bangladesh relations. Denlwich commended Bangladesh’s interim government for its proactive engagement with the US, particularly in navigating additional tariffs announced by the Trump administration in April. He highlighted that Bangladesh anticipated the administration’s approach and has since pursued negotiations effectively.
Denlwich also addressed misconceptions about US involvement in Bangladesh’s political history. He refuted claims that the US orchestrated the 2006 military-backed caretaker government (1/11) or the 2024 student-led uprising that led to the fall of the Awami League government, calling the latter a “false accusation” by the ousted regime. He noted that after the Awami League’s 2009 election victory, the US had hoped for a positive new chapter in bilateral relations.
SIPG Senior Research Fellow Sufiur Rahman remarked that US-Bangladesh relations have faced challenges over the past decade, citing issues like the cancellation of GSP facilities for Bangladeshi goods post-Rana Plaza tragedy, human rights concerns, minority rights, corruption, flawed elections, law enforcement actions, and the Digital Security Act. He also pointed out that Bangladesh’s growing ties with China and India’s influence on US policy have strained relations. Rahman noted that India’s sway led the US to prioritize non-violent elections over participatory ones in 2024, limiting its ability to advance bilateral priorities with Bangladesh.
On a positive note, Rahman highlighted that US-Bangladesh military relations remain strong, with regular joint exercises and proposed agreements like the General Security of Military Information Agreement and the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement, which Bangladesh has yet to decide on. He added that Bangladesh is striving to maintain neutrality in the Indo-Pacific region.
Former Dhaka University professor Shahiduzzaman cautioned that Bangladesh’s ties with China, especially in light of China’s support for Pakistan in recent conflicts, could provoke the US. He urged Bangladesh to maintain a balanced approach in its foreign relations.
The event, moderated by SIPG Director Professor Toufiq Haque, featured speeches from BGMEA former Senior Vice-President Faisal Samad, NSU School of Business Professor and Dean Dr. AKM Waresul Karim, and NSU Associate Professor Dr. Noor Mohammad Sarker, who delivered the welcome address.
