The United States is preparing to offer Bangladesh’s next government defence equipment from the US and its allies as alternatives to Chinese systems, expressing concern over Beijing’s expanding footprint in South Asia, Washington’s ambassador to Dhaka said in an interview with British news agency Reuters.
Ambassador Brent T Christensen told Reuters that Washington is closely watching growing Chinese influence in the region and intends to engage the incoming Bangladeshi administration on the risks associated with certain forms of security cooperation with Beijing.
“The United States is concerned about growing Chinese influence in South Asia and is committed to working closely with the Bangladeshi government to clearly communicate the risks of certain types of engagement with China,” Christensen said in the interview, according to Reuters.
He added that the United States can provide “a range of options” to help Bangladesh meet its military needs, including US-made systems and equipment from allied partners, offering what he described as alternatives to Chinese hardware.
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Bangladesh heads to the polls on Thursday in a general election held after a Gen Z-led uprising forced long-time premier Sheikh Hasina to step down in August 2024.
Hasina, who was widely regarded as aligned with India, has since taken refuge in New Delhi.
Her departure has altered regional dynamics, creating what diplomats describe as an opening for China to deepen ties with Dhaka at a time when India’s influence appears to be under strain.
China recently signed a defence cooperation agreement with Bangladesh that includes plans to establish a drone manufacturing facility near the Indian border, developments that have raised concern among some foreign diplomats, Reuters reported.
Bangladesh has also been in discussions with Pakistan over the possible purchase of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, jointly developed by Pakistan and China.
Beijing, responding to Reuters, defended its ties with Dhaka.
China’s foreign ministry said cooperation between the two countries spans political, economic and security sectors and is “mutually beneficial.”
“Our mutually beneficial and friendly cooperation is not directed against any third party, nor will we tolerate interference from any third party,” the ministry said in a statement to Reuters.
Christensen also noted that Washington would like to see improved relations between Bangladesh and India, describing such ties as important for regional stability.
Relations between New Delhi and Dhaka have deteriorated since Hasina’s departure, affecting visa services and even cultural exchanges such as cricket.
Commercial diplomacy
Beyond defence cooperation, the US envoy emphasized economic engagement as a key priority.
Christensen said Washington views commercial diplomacy as central to its relationship with Bangladesh and expects early signals from the next government that it is welcoming to foreign investors.
“Commercial diplomacy is one of our top priorities,” he told Reuters, adding that the US would work with whichever government emerges from the election.
While US energy giant Chevron has operated in Bangladesh for decades, Reuters noted that relatively few other major American consumer brands are present in the country of around 175 million people.
High taxation and difficulties repatriating profits have posed challenges for some potential investors.
Rohingya aid and burden sharing
Christensen also addressed the ongoing humanitarian crisis involving more than one million Rohingya refugees living in camps in southeastern Bangladesh.
The United States remains the largest single donor to the Rohingya response, he told Reuters.
“The US remains the largest contributor to the Rohingya refugee response and continues robust health programming in Bangladesh,” Christensen said, noting a recently signed $2 billion global funding framework with the United Nations aimed at improving aid effectiveness, including in Bangladesh.
However, he urged greater international burden sharing, saying Washington cannot sustain the bulk of the effort alone.
UN agencies have struggled in recent years to secure adequate funding, leading to reductions in food rations and the closure of some educational facilities in the camps.
