PRESS ENGAGEMENT

U.S. Embassy Dhaka

TAB 1 — OPENING STATEMENT (ON THE RECORD)

Good afternoon, and thank you for being here.

It is a privilege to engage with Bangladesh’s media at an important moment for both of our countries. As U.S. Ambassador, my responsibility is to advance the interests of the American people, consistent with the policies of the United States Government, while building a constructive and respectful relationship with Bangladesh.

U.S. foreign policy today is guided by the 2025 National Security Strategy. That strategy is clear-eyed and pragmatic. It emphasizes national sovereignty, economic security, lawful migration, regional responsibility, and respect for core freedoms. These priorities shape how the United States engages partners around the world, including here in Bangladesh.

The United States respects Bangladesh’s independence and its right to chart its own future. We seek cooperation where our interests align, candid dialogue where they differ, and practical solutions to shared challenges. Our relationship is not defined by any single issue, but by decades of people-to-people ties, economic exchange, and cooperation on regional and global concerns.

I look forward to your questions.

TAB 2 — CORE THEMES (APPROVED FOR ON-THE-RECORD USE)

1. Sovereignty and Borders

  • The United States believes that strong, lawful borders are a core element of national sovereignty.
  • This principle applies equally to all countries.
  • Our approach emphasizes orderly, lawful migration and cooperation to combat human smuggling and trafficking.

Do not say:

  • Anything implying punishment or threats tied to migration
  • Specific enforcement metrics or future actions

2. Economic Security and Trade

  • The United States views economic security as national security.
  • Bangladesh is an important trading partner, particularly in textiles and apparel.
  • U.S. policy prioritizes transparent trade, resilient supply chains, and respect for labor and safety standards.

Do not say:

  • That new trade agreements are imminent
  • That market access is guaranteed or expanding

3. Democracy, Governance, and Elections

  • U.S. policy supports democratic processes, not political parties or candidates.
  • We emphasize peaceful participation, rule of law, and respect for fundamental freedoms.
  • The United States does not take sides in domestic political contests.

Preferred language:

  • “credible processes”
  • “peaceful political participation”
  • “respect for lawful expression”

Avoid:

  • Predicting outcomes
  • Commenting on internal party dynamics

4. Regional Stability and Responsibility

  • The United States expects countries to take primary responsibility for their regions.
  • Bangladesh plays an important role in South Asia, including on humanitarian and displacement challenges.
  • Regional issues require regional cooperation.

5. People-to-People Ties

  • Education, exchanges, and diaspora communities are a foundation of the U.S.–Bangladesh relationship.
  • Universities and young people are critical to long-term stability and prosperity.

TAB 3 — ANTICIPATED PRESS Q&A (COMPREHENSIVE)

Q1: Is the United States interfering in Bangladesh’s upcoming elections?

A:
The United States supports democratic processes, peaceful participation, and respect for fundamental freedoms. We do not support any political party or candidate. Bangladesh’s elections are for the Bangladeshi people to decide.

Q2: Why has the U.S. tightened visa policies for Bangladeshis?

A:
Visa policy is part of our broader approach to lawful, orderly travel and migration. Every country has the right to enforce its immigration laws. These policies are applied globally and are not directed at any one country.

Q3: Is the U.S. using visas as political pressure?

A:
No. Visa policies are administrative tools related to border integrity and lawful travel. They are not intended to influence political outcomes.

Q4: Does the U.S. see Bangladesh as part of a strategy against China?

A:
The United States engages Bangladesh on its own terms and respects its independent foreign policy. Our relationship is based on bilateral interests, not on forcing countries to choose sides.

Q5: Is the U.S. satisfied with Bangladesh’s human rights record?

A:
The United States speaks consistently and globally about respect for fundamental freedoms and the rule of law. We raise these issues through diplomatic channels, as we do with partners around the world.

Q6: What is the U.S. position on Rohingya refugees?

A:
The United States recognizes the significant burden Bangladesh has carried. We continue to support humanitarian principles and durable solutions, including safe, voluntary, and dignified return.

Do not speculate on timelines or political negotiations.

Q7: Will the U.S. increase aid or investment in Bangladesh?

A:
The United States supports private-sector–led growth and responsible investment. Specific funding decisions follow established processes and cannot be previewed.

Q8: How does U.S. health policy relate to Bangladesh?

A:
The United States works with partners globally to strengthen public health preparedness and disease surveillance. Health security is a shared interest and a global concern.

TAB 4 — OFF-LIMITS / DEFLECTION GUIDANCE

Do not engage on:

  • Intelligence matters
  • Sanctions hypotheticals
  • Internal U.S. government deliberations
  • Embassy internal guidance
  • Named individuals under visa or law-enforcement review

Deflection phrase (approved):
“I’m not able to comment on that, but I can reiterate the United States’ broader policy position.”

TAB 5 — LANGUAGE & STYLE RULES (MANDATORY)

  • Use “the United States” (not “we”) for policy statements
  • Avoid “will” unless citing an official commitment
  • Avoid moral judgments
  • Keep answers under 30–40 seconds
  • Re-anchor to NSS framing when under pressure
  • End difficult answers with cooperation language

TAB 6 — INTERNAL NOTE (NOT FOR MEDIA)

This guidance reflects:

  • 2025 National Security Strategy priorities
  • Publicly stated U.S. policy positions
  • Embassy clearance norms

It is designed for repeat use across:

  • press conferences
  • one-on-one interviews
  • background briefings
  • university and civil society engagements

If you want next steps

I can:

  • Stress-test this Q&A against hostile questioning
  • Produce a one-page “press pocket card” version
  • Align this precisely with the rewritten AMB speech once you approve that draft

Just tell me which.