‘Bangladesh-US relations are not managed through India, China, Russia’ – Khulna Gazette

Maxwell Martin, an official of the US Embassy in Dhaka, commented that Bangladesh-US relations are not managed through India, China and Russia. He said that the relationship between the United States and Bangladesh is based on the common history, values ​​and future prospects of the two countries. I have heard in various places including the media that the United States sees Bangladesh through the lens of India. But I think it’s not right.

Maxwell Martin, political officer of the embassy, ​​said this at a press conference at the US Embassy in Dhaka on Thursday (April 25). The US Embassy organized this press conference on India Pacific Strategy (IPS) and its significance for Bangladesh.

Maxwell Martin said that the relationship between the United States and Bangladesh is multidimensional. This relationship is not conducted through India, China, Russia or any third country. We can work together only if we see mutual interest. This is what we are emphasizing to everyone, including the government and the media.

He said, we have seen that Bangladesh has increased its capacity so that it can contribute positively to the region. Bangladesh has increased its capabilities manifold to secure itself and the region and we are proud to support Bangladesh in this regard.

Regarding the role of the Indo-Pacific strategy in relation to Bangladesh and the United States, the official of the US Embassy said, We think that 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. Keeping in mind the context of IPS, the United States is taking additional steps in relations with Bangladesh and advancing previous cooperation.

He claimed that China could assert its influence in India and the Pacific in the future, as it has done in South China and Taiwan. We don’t want to see such domineering behavior in IPS.

Maxwell Martin said, “If you look at the IPS map, you will see that most of the world’s trade takes place in this region.” Economic development is also happening around this region. Hence the emphasis is on the interests of the world’s important regions free and open future, economy and prosperity.

Mentioning the importance of Bangladesh for South Asia in terms of security, Maxwell Martin said that 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.