Bangladesh-U.S. Relations Gain New Momentum: Bethany Morrison

Shibbir Ahmed, New York: Bangladesh-U.S. relations are currently on a positive trajectory, with Washington highlighting recent progress in trade, aviation and civilian nuclear cooperation as important developments in bilateral ties. Bethany Morrison, Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, made the remarks during a briefing on South Asia at the New York Foreign Press Center on Thursday.

“We are also in a good place with Bangladesh,” Morrison said, pointing to recent high-level engagement and expanding cooperation between the two countries.

Bangladesh Foreign Minister Meets President Trump

Morrison noted that Bangladesh’s foreign minister had the opportunity to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump earlier this week. She described the meeting as an important example of high-level engagement between Washington and Dhaka.

Highlighting recent trade cooperation, Morrison also referred to a major commercial agreement involving Boeing. She said President Trump had also posted about the development on his Truth Social account on Thursday morning.

Civilian Nuclear Cooperation

Morrison also said Bangladesh and the United States are preparing to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on civilian nuclear cooperation. According to Morrison, the MoU is expected to be signed on Friday with the participation of a U.S. undersecretary. The proposed agreement could open another area of cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the peaceful use of nuclear technology and related civilian applications.

U.S. Sees Greater Engagement in South Asia

Morrison described the recent high-level contacts and agreements with Bangladesh as part of broader progress in U.S.-Bangladesh relations. Speaking about Washington’s wider policy toward South Asia, she said the Trump administration is placing greater importance on the region than in the past.

She indicated that the United States expects further progress in its relations with Bangladesh and other South Asian countries in the coming days. Journalists from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, South Korea, the United States and other countries attended the briefing at the New York Foreign Press Center.