The next chapter for Bangladesh-US Relations

With Donald Trump returning to the White House in 2024, Bangladesh faces a period of heightened geopolitical uncertainty. As the US, China, and India continue to shape the global landscape, Bangladesh's strategic position will be influenced by the policies and interactions of these superpowers. Trump's approach, characterised by a tough stance on China, could have far-reaching implications for Bangladesh, especially in the areas of trade, technology, and climate policy.
For Bangladesh, this could mean economic ripple effects, especially in the garment industry, which is heavily reliant on exports to the US. If Trump imposes tariffs on Chinese goods, Bangladesh may find its trade routes disrupted, affecting not only exports to the US but also global supply chains. However, Bangladesh could potentially benefit by enhancing its labour rights and positioning itself as a more attractive partner for US investments in infrastructure and development.
India's growing alignment with the US is another factor that complicates Bangladesh's position. With Trump's close ties to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bangladesh might be pressured to take sides in the escalating tensions between the US and China. Bangladesh has long adhered to a non-alignment policy, but as US-India military and diplomatic cooperation strengthens, it may be increasingly difficult for Bangladesh to avoid being drawn into regional security dynamics.
The environmental policies under Trump also pose a significant challenge for Bangladesh, a country already vulnerable to climate change. Trump's previous withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement and rollback of environmental regulations raise concerns about the future of international climate financing. Bangladesh, which depends heavily on such funding for adaptation projects, may struggle to secure the resources needed to address the impacts of rising sea levels and extreme weather events.
Moreover, the ongoing Rohingya crisis is likely to remain a point of tension in US-Bangladesh relations. Trump's tighter immigration policies could reduce US support for the humanitarian efforts surrounding the Rohingya refugees. This could further strain Bangladesh's resources, which are already stretched thin by the refugee crisis.
In the coming years, Bangladesh will need to navigate these geopolitical challenges with a strategic focus on diversifying its trade partnerships, strengthening its diplomatic ties with both the US and India, and advancing its climate resilience efforts. As Trump's 'America First' policies continue to shape global dynamics, Bangladesh's ability to adapt and assert its interests in a rapidly changing world will be crucial to its political and economic future. The next phase of Bangladesh's diplomacy and leadership will require agility, resilience, and a clear vision to protect its national interests in an increasingly multipolar global order.

Mim Binte Shahriar
Student
International Relations
Jahangirnagar University
[email protected]