From Resilience to Reinvention: Forging a New Era in U.S.-Bangladesh Relations

15 July 2025

(Thank You Note & Closing remarks at the Congressional Briefing)

Good morning, everyone.

It’s a privilege to join you today—Congressman Doggett, Congressman McGovern, Ambassador Mozena, Michael Kugelman, and all our distinguished guests. Your presence speaks to a shared recognition: the future of U.S.-Bangladesh relations is a story still being written.

Today, many have spoken about the crises we’ve faced. But as we close this gathering, I want to shift focus—from challenge to possibility, from reaction to reinvention.

Because resilience is not enough. We need reinvention—rooted in economic sovereignty, democratic values, and strategic partnership between Bangladesh and the United States.

Our objective is disarmingly simple, yet profoundly revolutionary: to cultivate a trade relationship that is not extractive, but inherently expansive. A relationship that is not merely transactional, but truly transformative.

A Nation Moving Forward

As Co-Chair of the Bangladesh America Alliance, I’ve watched our country’s story evolve. Born during the July 2024 Revolution, our fledgling alliance fought against disinformation—and now, with truth gaining ground, we’re focused on building. Building stronger economic, commercial, and institutional bridges.

Let’s be clear: Bangladesh is no longer the “basket case” of history. It’s a nation on track for LDC graduation, importing heavily, expanding industrially, and aligning with democratic governance. Because when rights are protected and laws are transparent, economies thrive. That’s the future we seek—with the U.S. as a committed partner.

Smart Trade, Shared Growth

For too long, outdated trade policies limited what was possible. The double fumigation rule on U.S. cotton was one example—hurting both sides.

Today, things are changing. The interim government has opened the door to bonded warehouses for U.S. cotton suppliers—cutting lead times and creating the chance to double U.S. market share in Bangladesh. This is a win-win: Bangladesh gains efficiency; American growers gain access.

That’s the spirit of what we call commodity diplomacy—not just fixing broken systems, but building bold new ones.

We hope to work closely with the Congressional Bangladesh Caucus, American industry, and Bangladeshi trade bodies to turn these ideas into results.

Let me offer four areas where collaboration can be transformational:

 * Textiles: With bonded warehousing in place, how can U.S. cotton suppliers form direct, traceable partnerships with Bangladeshi manufacturers—enhancing both ethical sourcing and U.S. competitiveness?

 * Food Security: Bangladesh remains heavily reliant on wheat and corn imports. What investment incentives can we explore to expand U.S. agricultural exports while building stable, resilient supply chains in the region?

 * Energy: With Bangladesh’s industrial demand surging, there is a $900 million opportunity for U.S. LNG suppliers and renewable tech providers. This is an open door for long-term energy partnerships.

 * Defense: Bangladesh’s air force remains dependent on aging Chinese F-7s. There is real scope for modernization—starting with advanced U.S. platforms like the F-16. This isn’t just defense hardware. It’s regional security cooperation, interoperability with allies, and a multi-billion-dollar economic opportunity for the U.S. defense sector. It means high-tech jobs in America—and greater strategic alignment in the Indo-Pacific.

People Are the Power

But our greatest shared asset isn’t material—it’s human.

Each year, over 17,000 Bangladeshi students study in the U.S., contributing an estimated $680 million annually to the U.S. economy. That’s tuition, housing, transportation, local spending—supporting American jobs and small businesses.

But here’s the missed opportunity: If we scaled that number to 52,000 students—on par with other key partners like India and South Korea—the United States could gain over $2.2 billion annually in direct economic activity. That’s a win for universities, local communities, and the broader economy. This is not a brain drain—it’s a brain bridge. And it’s one we must widen.

Closing Thoughts

My deepest thanks to our moderators, Farhana Sultana and Shamarukh Mohiuddin, our panelists, our partners at RTF and Brain, and the media here today.

Many of us stand with a foot in each world: the land that gave us our roots, and the land that gave us wings. We owe both a better future. Let’s build it—together—with purpose, with urgency, and with unity.

Thank you. Let’s get to work.