The United States wants to see Bangladesh as a country that plays a positive role in ensuring the security of itself and other countries in the region. In other words, the United States is ready to help Bangladesh play a role as a ‘net security provider’ in the region. This information was given by Maxwell Martin, Political Officer of the US Embassy.
On Thursday (April 25) at the US Embassy, he discussed this matter in an exchange meeting with journalists on ‘Indo Pacific Strategy and its impact on Bangladesh’. Maxwell Martin said, ‘We think all countries in the region should have the ability to protect themselves and help others. We want to see such a sustainable and positive security framework in South Asia.’
He said, Forces Goal 2030 is an initiative of Bangladesh and we support its implementation. This is because we want Bangladesh to become a responsible net security provider country in the region.
We have seen Bangladesh build its capacity to make a positive contribution to the region. “Bangladesh has increased its capabilities manifold to provide security for itself and the region and we are proud to support Bangladesh in this regard,” he said.
The American official also said that the United States is providing assistance in various matters including strengthening the internal security system of Bangladesh, providing defense equipment, and training.
balanced relationship
Maxwell said that we know that Bangladesh maintains a balance between the countries of the region and the rest of the world and there is no problem with it.
He said, you may have noticed that the voice of the United States is very strong on the political situation in Bangladesh and it is a part of all relations. But we are emphasizing on multi-dimensional issues, such as economic, security and political cooperation.
Not India’s lens
The United States wants to have bilateral relations with Bangladesh not through the lens of India, but through its own lens. In this regard, he said, many people try to say that the United States sees Bangladesh through the lens of India. But I think it’s not right. Our relationship is completely bilateral, where we work with each other.
Regarding cooperation in the field of security, he said that the two largest ships of the Bangladesh Navy were given by the United States. One of these ships provided relief aid after the cyclone in Myanmar in June last year. This is the kind of security cooperation we want with Bangladesh where the people of the region will directly benefit.
Many people have misconceptions about the Indo-Pacific strategy. But we want everyone to understand it clearly, he said.
Referring to this information, Quad is not an alliance, he said, it is a group where like-minded countries discuss various issues among themselves. This is why I think Bangladesh should not be afraid of Quad and I think Bangladesh is not.
