US reaffirms its support for Bangladesh’s reform efforts

The United States has reiterated its strong support for the ongoing reform initiatives led by the interim government of Bangladesh under the leadership of Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus during the celebration of U.S. Independence Day in Dhaka this evening.

Speaking at the event, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Tracey Ann Jacobson paid tribute to the courage and sacrifice of those involved in the student-led popular uprising of July-August last year, calling it a “foundation for the historic work we are witnessing now to rebuild the state and to restore democracy."

“The United States honors the sacrifices of those who gave their lives last year, and we fully support the work planned by His Excellency, the Chief Adviser, to build consensus around reform and to pave the way for free and fair elections early next year,” said Jacobson.

She noted that this commitment was reaffirmed in a recent telephone conversation between U.S. Secretary of State and the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh.

Finance, and Science and Technology Adviser to the interim government Dr Salehuddin Ahmed attended the ceremony as the guest of honour.

The event also saw the presence of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, other advisers, diplomats, senior officials, and distinguished guests.

Jacobson highlighted more than five decades of Bangladesh-U.S. partnership, praising the deep people-to-people ties and the growing commercial, military, and development cooperation between the two nations.

“Our partnership is strong, built on shared values and mutual interests,” she said.

She detailed the breadth of U.S. assistance to Bangladesh, emphasizing that since 2017, the U.S. has been the largest donor to the Rohingya refugee response, contributing over $2.5 billion, including $160 million this year alone.

As USAID prepares to transition its remaining assistance programs to the U.S. Department of State, Jacobson acknowledged the agency’s long-standing contributions.

“USAID’s investments, totalling over $8 billion, have played a vital role in helping Bangladesh prepare for graduation from Least Developed Country status,” she added.

On economic cooperation, the Chargé d’Affaires noted that American companies remain significant contributors to Bangladesh’s economy and infrastructure.

Chevron, the country’s largest foreign investor, along with Excelerate Energy, provides more than 70% of Bangladesh’s electricity.

Other American firms such as Oracle, Microsoft, Meta, and Google are playing a crucial role in driving Bangladesh’s digital transformation.

She confirmed that both governments are actively working to address bilateral trade issues, including discussions on tariff reductions, trade barriers, and labor standards in line with international norms.

The U.S. envoy also underscored the importance of military cooperation, noting joint exercises such as Tiger Lightning and Pacific Angel, and the annual training of around 120 Bangladeshi military officers at the prestigious U.S. military institutions including West Point and the U.S. Naval Academy.

The event, themed around a traditional American “State Fair”, celebrated cultural connections and agricultural heritage, with American cotton and Bangladeshi garment excellence symbolically represented through denim outfits worn by attendees.