The United States has signalled plans to offer Bangladesh military equipment from the U.S. and allied partners as an alternative to Chinese defence hardware, citing concerns about an expanding Chinese footprint in South Asia, U.S. Ambassador to Dhaka Brent T. Christensen said in an interview on Tuesday.
Bangladesh is heading to a general election on Thursday following a Gen Z-led uprising that removed India-allied premier Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. Hasina subsequently took refuge in New Delhi. Officials and diplomats have observed Beijing deepening ties with Dhaka at a moment when New Delhi's influence has diminished.
The ambassador noted recent defence cooperation between China and Bangladesh, including a signed agreement to establish a drone factory near the India border, and talks between Dhaka and Pakistan about the potential purchase of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, a multi-role combat aircraft developed jointly with China.
"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. "The U.S. offers a range of options to help Bangladesh meet its military capability needs, including U.S. systems and those from allied partners, to provide alternatives to Chinese systems," he added, without offering further details.
The Chinese foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Christensen also said the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump would "like to see a good relationship between Bangladesh and India to support stability in the region". Relations between New Delhi and Dhaka have deteriorated since Hasina's departure, affecting practical ties such as visa services and cricket exchanges.
Alongside security engagement, the ambassador emphasised a strong commercial diplomacy thrust. "Commercial diplomacy is one of our top priorities, and we look forward to working with the new government to build on progress made with the interim government, particularly in strengthening commercial, economic, and security ties," he said.
U.S. businesses are watching Bangladesh for possible investment opportunities, Christensen said, but many would expect clear early signals from the incoming administration that it is "open for business". He pointed out that while energy producer Chevron has operated in Bangladesh for decades, other U.S. corporate footprints remain limited. Factors cited by investors include high taxes and practical challenges repatriating profits. The envoy noted the absence of major U.S. retail chains such as Starbucks and McDonald’s in the densely populated country of roughly 175 million people.
Washington reiterated it would work with "whichever government is elected by the Bangladeshi people." The electoral contest pits two coalitions led by former allies - the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami - and opinion polls suggest the BNP currently holds an advantage.
On humanitarian matters, Christensen reaffirmed the United States' leading role in supporting the Rohingya population sheltered in Bangladesh. "The U.S. remains the largest contributor to the Rohingya refugee response and continues robust health programming in Bangladesh," he said, noting a recent $2 billion worldwide funding framework signed with the United Nations to try to improve assistance effectiveness, including in Bangladesh.
The ambassador urged other international donors to shoulder a larger share of the burden. "The U.S. cannot sustain the bulk of the effort alone. International partners need to increase their support for the Rohingya response," he said. The U.N. refugee agency has faced funding shortages in recent years, which have led to reductions in rations and the closure of some schools serving the Rohingya community.
Christensen's comments outline a two-track U.S. approach in Bangladesh ahead of the vote - offering alternative defence equipment to counter Chinese influence while pressing for improved commercial conditions to attract U.S. investment. At the same time, Washington is pressing for broader international engagement on the humanitarian front to address ongoing shortfalls for the more than 1.2 million Rohingya refugees being hosted in Bangladesh.