Md. Abdullah-Al-Mamun

The relationship between the United States and Bangladesh has evolved substantially over the years, though the USA, strategically and as a part of cold war with the then USSR, did not support Bangladesh during the war against Pakistan (then West Pakistan). From then, as Bangladesh grows in economic and geopolitical importance in South Asia, its partnership with the USA strengthens its position on global stage.

The USA mainly has been using Joseph Nye’s "Soft Power” for Bangladesh since 1972. This actually emphasizes attraction and persuasion over coercion, and “Realism” in international relations, which focuses on state interests and power, in maintain its mutual partnership with Bangladesh. Considering the USA's Indo-Pacific Strategy, the USA is reshaping and strengthening its bilateral relations with Bangladesh. As of today, both countries mutually reaped the benefits from the bilateral relations. It is outright true that the cooperation brings significant benefits across various sectors. Meanwhile, a potential downturn in the relationship, Bangladesh may experience numerous challenges that will, hands down, impact its growth and stability.

The USA-Bangladesh relationship thrives in an array of areas. The core areas are: trade, energy, defense and security, development assistance, education and cultural exchange, public health, governance and human rights, and climate resilience. These sectors are of utmost integral to Bangladesh’s progress as these congruously align with USA strategic goals in the region, South Asia. Firstly, trade is the cornerstone of USA-Bangladesh relations. The USA is Bangladesh’s largest trading partner.

The ready-made garment (RMG) sector is crucial to the country's economy. Because this sector is providing jobs to millions, especially women. Even, statistics shows that Bangladesh exports more than $10 billion worth of products in a year. This economic interdependence fosters stability and supports Bangladesh’s industrial growth. Simultaneously, this is enhancing Bangladesh position as an emerging economy in South Asia. Secondly, as of today, Bangladesh’s energy sector has benefited from USA investments and technological supports through two giant companies like Chevron and ExxonMobil that are contributing the most in the realm of energy. Chevron, for example, supplies about 55% of Bangladesh’s natural gas, which has created jobs, support local communities, and foster infrastructure development.

With the USA also promoting renewable energy initiatives (though questionable in some cases while it produces the most carbon emission after China), including solar energy programs supported by USAID, Bangladesh is gaining access to cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions. Thirdly, Bangladesh's strategic position along the Bay of Bengal makes it an important player to the USA Indo-Pacific Strategy (countering China’s influence). Fourthly, the United States, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has been a significant contributor to Bangladesh’s development since 1972/73. Historically, USAID’s programs focus on health, food security, agriculture, education, and governance, with recent allocations of $35 million to support Bangladeshi farmers facing climate-related challenges (a prime and latest example). Since then, USAID’s involvement in Bangladesh has been instrumental in reducing poverty, enhancing literacy rates, and improving public health, aligning with Bangladesh’s long-term development objectives. Fifthly, Programs like the Fulbright Scholarship and partnerships with American universities have provided Bangladeshi students (tens of thousands in number) with access to world-class education, promoting people-to-people ties. Even, last year, more than 14 thousand students went to the USA for higher studies, promoting people-to-people relationship, for instance.

Sixthly, USA support for healthcare, especially in maternal and child health, in Bangladesh has led to significant advancements. USAID’s public health programs, for example, in Bangladesh focus on nutrition, disease prevention, and healthcare access for rural populations. The USA also supports efforts to combat infectious diseases and build healthcare resilience, especially in response to global health crises such as COVID-19. These efforts, Medicaid policy and health diplomacy, have greatly improved public health outcomes.

Clearly, these efforts helped in reducing mortality rates and enhancing healthcare accessibility across Bangladesh. Plus, The USA has been an advocate for democratic values and human rights in Bangladesh, encouraging transparency, accountability, and fair electoral processes. Programs funded by USAID and the USA State Department work with local NGOs to support women’s empowerment, civil rights, and governance reforms have become instrumental. These initiatives, along worth noteworthy humanitarian support to Rohingya refuges in Bangladesh, promote Bangladesh’s democratic institutions and safeguard civil liberties, aligning with the USA's commitment to democratic governance globally. Importantly, Bangladesh is highly vulnerable to climate change, facing frequent cyclones, floods, and rising sea levels. The USA has invested in initiatives to enhance Bangladesh’s climate resilience, including disaster preparedness, coastal management, and agricultural adaptation. The partnership supports Bangladesh’s efforts to mitigate climate impacts, making it a leader in climate adaptation in South Asia. Through USAID and other agencies, the USA aids Bangladesh in transitioning to renewable energy sources, building infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events, and supporting communities affected by climate change.

A deterioration in USA-Bangladesh relations will obviously lead to significant challenges for Bangladesh. All European countries, particularly NATO members, may also follow USA’s footsteps. Which means, Bangladesh might experience a nightmare like Iran and North Korea though the political landscape is somewhat different from them. Hypothetically, if bilateral ties gets weaken, Bangladesh may face the following challenges. One, since the USA is one of Bangladesh’s largest export markets, any restriction on Bangladesh’s access to the USA market, particularly for its RMG products, will, surely, severely impact its economy, leading to higher inflation. The loss of USA trade benefits and possible tariffs will lead to factory closures, creating unemployment, and economic and political instability. Two, Chevron and ExxonMobil heavily involved in Bangladesh’s energy sector; therefore, a decline in relations must jeopardize these companies' operations in Bangladesh, impacting by a larger extend to energy security. Additionally, reduced access to USA expertise, technology, and investments in natural gas and LNG, must compromise Bangladesh’s energy security, increase energy costs, and slow its transition to renewable energy sources. Three, a reduction in USA aid will lead to setbacks in public health and economic (microeconomic sectors) sectors, particularly for rural communities.

As a result, this will, hands down, hamper Bangladesh’s efforts to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs). Four, a weakened relationship will reduce access to American education (maximum top ranked universities located in the USA, QS ranking suggests) and professional development that contribute to Bangladesh’s human capital. Thus, the loss of cultural exchange programs will automatically also impact people-to-people diplomacy in between and beyond. Five, a downturn in relations will reduce access to USA expertise and funding for climate adaptation projects. As a result, Bangladesh will be more vulnerable country for climate change; lack of fund for climate change will hinder Bangladesh’s capacity to protect its coastline, agriculture, and communities from climate-related disasters.

The writer is a seasoned feature article writer, contributing engaging insights to both national and international news platforms.