[🇧🇩] The U.S.A.---A Strategic Partner of Bangladesh

Source: https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/diplomacy/news/bangladesh-us-ties-deepen-3550741

Bangladesh-US ties to deepen​

Says Hasan Mahmud about US official’s visit

Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud said yesterday that the US official Afreen Akhter's visit will deepen and broaden ties between Bangladesh and the US.

He made the remarks when a journalist wanted to know about the upcoming visit of US Deputy Assistant Secretary at the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Afreen Akhter, who is scheduled to be in Dhaka on Saturday.

The foreign minister also said the letter sent by US President Joe Biden to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is important to further strengthen the relationship between the two countries.

"The visit of the US official will deepen and broaden the relationship between the two countries."

This is going to be the first visit by any US official after the January 7 election.

Apart from bilateral issues and other areas of mutual interest, including economic growth and development, the Rohingya issue may also come up for discussion, according to a diplomatic source.

Afreen visited Bangladesh before the national election.

She is likely to meet senior officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

At a media briefing on February 14, she said, "We have a tremendous amount of work ongoing developing free media in Bangladesh, working with civil society, and working with labour organisers across the spectrum to build up these institutions of democracy that will enable Bangladesh to become more democratic over the longer term."

Afreen visited Dhaka and Cox's Bazar on October 16-17 last year and met with senior government officials, civil society members, Rohingya refugees, and representatives from humanitarian organisations.

FM Hasan Mahmud also told reporters that the United States' veto against a draft UN Security Council resolution, demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, is disappointing.

The resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Palestinian Gaza Strip was presented to the UN Security Council (UNSC) by Algeria. It was voted on last Tuesday.
Of the UNSC's 15 member states, 13 voted in favour of the resolution. Another permanent member, the United Kingdom, abstained from voting, while the US vetoed it.​

 

[Saif]

We will clearly highlight risks of engagement with China in certain cases: Brent Christensen

In the US Senate hearing on ambassadorial appointments last October, Brent Christensen stated that he would clearly present the risks associated with engagements with China to Bangladesh. After joining as the new ambassador in Dhaka, he reiterated this point when facing journalists for the...

en.prothomalo.com

We will clearly highlight risks of engagement with China in certain cases: Brent Christensen

Diplomatic Correspondent Dhaka
Updated: 21 Jan 2026, 23: 11

Brent Christensen, the ambassador of the United States stationed in Dhaka, at the EMK Centre in the capital on Wednesday afternoon. Courtesy: The US Embassy in Dhaka.

In the US Senate hearing on ambassadorial appointments last October, Brent Christensen stated that he would clearly present the risks associated with engagements with China to Bangladesh.

After joining as the new ambassador in Dhaka, he reiterated this point when facing journalists for the first time.

Brent Christensen mentioned his intention to clearly communicate the specific risks related to engagements with China to the interim government or the newly elected government.

On Wednesday afternoon, Christensen discussed various aspects of the relationship between the two countries with several media representatives at the EMK Centre in the capital.

During this exchange, he addressed a question regarding the geopolitical competition between the US and China.

During the Senate hearing last October, Christensen expressed his concerns about China's influence in South Asia and highlighted the potential for closer military engagement between Bangladesh and the United States as an alternative.

In today's meeting, when asked about defence cooperation, to avoid placing Dhaka amid the competition of major powers, Brent Christensen commented, ''You know, security issues are a topic you know of great interest to me given the prior role that I had as a senior official back in Washington and also my long experience here in Bangladesh. You know, the United States and Bangladesh have strong military to military cooperation. It's been growing stronger."

Brent Christensen, the ambassador of the United States stationed in Dhaka, at the EMK Centre in the capital on Wednesday afternoon. Courtesy: The US Embassy in Dhaka.

Brent Christensen noted, "We have partnerships across all branches of Bangladesh defense forces, working with the Navy on maritime security, with the army and with the air force on operational and emergency response readiness, you know, through a host of training and exercises."

The US ambassador stated, "Yeah, over the last year we conducted several important exercises, things like, you know, tiger shark, working with the Navy on operational readiness, tiger lightning with the army on peacekeeping, counter-terrorism, and medical issues, you know, and a host of other engagements."

Brent Christensen said, "As we look to to deepen those ties and that interoperability as as you suggested, you know, we also provide about a $1.5 million dollars a year in professional military education for the Bangladeshi military. I myself am a proud alumnus of our National War College where I had a Bangladeshi Brigadier General as one of my classmates."

Brent Christensen, "We are, you know, working with the Bangladeshi military in support of its plans for modernisation and developing its capabilities. A specialist that looks to expand what it can do in peacekeeping, but also what it can do here for your own domestic security needs. We're, you know, working to help facilitate the number of military purchases, and trying to see what could be the best fit for the Bangladeshi military."

The US ambassador noted that while the budget realities of Bangladesh are important, the ability to integrate new capabilities is also being considered.

Brent Christensen said, "You know, given as you said, Bangladesh's budget, but also, you know, it's ability to absorb certain new capabilities. You know, as I said in my hearing. I am concerned about broader Chinese influence in South Asia. I think, the United States government's been very clear about that."

"And as I committed my hearing, you know, I will always engage, you know, with our friends, in the government, be it the interim government or the new elected government, to clearly articulate the risks of involvement with the Chinese in certain areas, should the Bangladesh government choose to go down that path. As I also said in my hearing, we have a host of options available to try to help our partner militaries meet their capability needs. This can include US systems," he added.

Brent Christensen said, "This sometimes includes us helping identify a good good system from one of our allies and partners that might be better suited to what the Bangladeshi military needs or might be more affordable. You know, if the United States doesn't have the appropriate system, you know, we do often work with our partners and our our allies to also help meet those needs."​

 

[Saif]

'Irresponsible and utterly unfounded': China fires back at US ambassador’s remarks

Ambassador Christensen earlier raised concerns over potential risks of closer China ties

www.thedailystar.net

'Irresponsible and utterly unfounded': China fires back at US ambassador’s remarks

Ambassador Christensen earlier raised concerns over potential risks of closer China ties

By Star Online Report

China has urged the US to be more aware of its responsibilities and to focus on actions conducive to Bangladesh’s stability, development, and regional cooperation, following remarks by the newly‑appointed US Ambassador Brent Christensen.

During a media interaction in Dhaka on Wednesday, Christensen expressed concerns about China’s broader influence in South Asia and said he was committed to clearly articulating the risks of involvement with China in certain areas should Bangladesh choose that path.

Responding today, the Chinese embassy in Dhaka issued a statement calling the US ambassador’s comments “irresponsible and utterly unfounded”.

The embassy highlighted that over the past 50 years, since the establishment of diplomatic ties, China and Bangladesh have consistently supported each other, treated one another as equals, and engaged in win‑win cooperation.

“The China‑Bangladesh cooperation has delivered benefits to and received broad support from the people of both countries. It is conducive to the development and stability in the region,” the statement said.

It further stressed that cooperation between China and Bangladesh is a matter solely between the two countries and their people.​

 

[Saif]

https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/views/opinions/growing-visa-restrictions-a-wake-up-call-for-bangladesh

Growing visa restrictions: A wake-up call for Bangladesh

Atiqul Kabir Tuhin
Published :
Jan 24, 2026 22:27
Updated :
Jan 24, 2026 22:27

The United States has temporarily suspended immigrant visas for applicants from Bangladesh and 74 other countries. Effective from January 21, the restriction has been imposed citing concerns that a large number of immigrants from these countries rely on government benefits instead of entering the workforce. While the policy aims to reduce dependence on US public assistance, its immediate impact is far more personal. It has placed the American dream of thousands of families on hold.

Non-immigrant visas such as student, tourist, and work visas are not affected by the immigrant visa suspension. However, B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourist) visas under the non-immigrant category for citizens of Bangladesh and 37 other countries now fall under a newly expanded visa bond requirement. Under this policy, applicants are required to deposit a refundable bond of $5,000 to $15,000 as a financial guarantee that they will comply with visa conditions and not overstay their authorised period of stay. The exact bond amount is determined during the visa interview and is refundable if the holder adheres to visa rules.

Bangladeshis are facing tighter visa regimes not only in the United States but also across many other overseas destinations. Australia has placed Bangladesh in its highest-risk category for student visas, citing "emerging integrity issues" and concerns over fraud. Canada, meanwhile, has sharply reduced visa approvals after placing Bangladesh on its high-risk or "red list," with official data showing a 61 percent decline in approvals in recent months. Some countries in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia are reportedly imposing informal restrictions on the issuance of visas to Bangladeshi nationals. What compounded the problem is India's visa restriction as several European countries do not have embassies in Dhaka. Their visas are issued through embassies in New Delhi. Despite the government's effort, there has been no progress in relocating European visa centres in Dhaka.

As a growing number of countries impose visa restrictions or tighten entry procedures, the consequences extend far beyond individual travel inconvenience. It is a direct blow to the country's brand value and global credibility. It undermines investor confidence and constrains higher education opportunities, labour mobility and foreign trade.

So, why is this happening? Why the gateway to the world is getting increasingly narrow for us?

Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain recently said, "First and foremost, we must put our own house in order." He indicated that the widespread practice of forging documents, a manpower export process riddled with malpractice and exploitation, and a culture of flouting visa rules abroad have been largely responsible for creating a negative image of Bangladeshis.

The widespread tendency towards forgery and non-compliance has also resulted in the weak international standing of the Bangladeshi passport. According to the January 2026 edition of the Henley Passport Index, it has once again been ranked the seventh weakest globally, allowing its holders to travel to only 37 out of 227 destinations without a prior visa.

It is therefore essential for the relevant authorities to address this issue with urgency. Taking exemplary action against recruiting agencies that send people overseas through illegal means and fake papers is of paramount importance. Political stability and a return to elected government may improve bilateral relations with some countries, but restoring global confidence requires structural reforms and good governance. After the upcoming parliamentary elections, one of the main tasks of the new government would be rebuilding Bangladesh's international reputation. There must be a robust digital mechanism to verify the authenticity of documents submitted either by outbound workers or students. Every act of forgery or malpractice not only damages the country's reputation but also limits the opportunities of those aspiring to study or work abroad.​