University of Dhaka
On U.S. Foreign Policy and the U.S.–Bangladesh Relationship

Thank you for that introduction, and thank you to the University of Dhaka for hosting this conversation.

It is a privilege to speak with students and faculty at one of South Asia’s most respected institutions. Universities play a unique role in any society. They are places where ideas are tested, where future leaders are formed, and where difficult questions can be asked openly. That is why engagements like this matter.

Today, I would like to speak about U.S. foreign policy as it is currently defined, and about how that policy shapes the United States’ relationship with Bangladesh. I will focus on what the United States is prioritizing, what we are seeking in our partnerships, and—just as importantly—what we are not seeking.

I want to be clear at the outset: my purpose today is explanatory, not prescriptive. Bangladesh is a sovereign country. Its future belongs to the Bangladeshi people. The role of the United States is not to dictate outcomes, but to engage honestly, consistently, and with respect.

I. How U.S. Foreign Policy Is Defined Today

U.S. foreign policy is guided by the 2025 National Security Strategy. That document reflects lessons learned from the past two decades, as well as the realities of today’s international environment.

At its core, the strategy is pragmatic. It emphasizes national sovereignty, economic resilience, lawful migration, regional responsibility, and the protection of core freedoms. It is less about ideology, and more about governing effectively in a world of constraints.

Three features of this approach are worth highlighting.

First, the United States has become more explicit about limits—limits to resources, limits to public patience, and limits to what any one country can do alone.

Second, economic policy is now treated as national security policy. Supply chains, labor standards, industrial capacity, and financial stability are no longer seen as separate from diplomacy or defense.

Third, the strategy places renewed emphasis on sovereignty and responsibility. Every country has the right to make its own choices, but those choices also carry responsibilities—to neighbors, to citizens, and to international systems.

These principles shape how the United States engages the world, including here in South Asia.

II. Sovereignty, Borders, and Migration

One of the clearest statements in the National Security Strategy is that the era of unmanaged, irregular migration is over.

This is not a statement directed at any single country. It reflects a broader global reality. Large-scale irregular migration strains institutions, undermines public trust, and exposes vulnerable people to exploitation by criminal networks.

The United States believes that strong, lawful borders are a core element of national sovereignty. That belief applies equally to all states, including our own.

For the United States, this means emphasizing:

  • lawful travel,
  • transparent visa processes,
  • cooperation to combat human smuggling and trafficking,
  • and the return of nationals who do not have a legal basis to remain.

This approach is not punitive. It is administrative and legal. And it is part of a global trend, not an exception.

For Bangladesh, cooperation on migration is one part of a broader relationship. It does not define the relationship, and it is not a substitute for engagement in other areas such as trade, education, or regional stability.

What the United States is not doing is using migration policy to influence domestic political outcomes. Migration enforcement and political processes are separate issues, governed by different authorities.

III. Economic Security and Trade

A second major priority in U.S. foreign policy today is economic security.

The National Security Strategy is explicit on this point: a country’s economic foundations—its workers, its industries, its supply chains—are central to its security.

This has several implications.

The United States is focused on:

  • resilient and transparent supply chains,
  • fair and rules-based trade,
  • respect for labor and safety standards,
  • and long-term economic sustainability.

Bangladesh is an important trading partner of the United States. Trade between our two countries supports jobs and livelihoods on both sides. In particular, Bangladesh plays a significant role in global textile and apparel supply chains.

At the same time, economic partnerships are not static. They evolve based on standards, practices, and mutual confidence. The United States does not promise automatic market access or guaranteed outcomes. What we do emphasize is predictability, transparency, and responsibility.

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You can see this approach globally, not only in South Asia. The United States is reassessing trade relationships around the world to ensure they are durable, fair, and aligned with long-term economic resilience—not short-term gains.

This is not about disengagement. It is about building economic relationships that can withstand shocks and benefit societies over time.

IV. Democracy, Governance, and Political Processes

Another pillar of U.S. foreign policy is the protection of core rights and liberties.

The United States supports democratic processes, not political parties or candidates. This distinction is important.

Supporting democratic processes means:

  • respect for the rule of law,
  • peaceful political participation,
  • freedom of expression and association,
  • and credible electoral procedures.

It does not mean endorsing particular outcomes, nor does it mean imposing external preferences.

In Bangladesh, as in other countries, the United States has been consistent in this approach. We engage with institutions, we speak publicly about principles, and we raise concerns through diplomatic channels when appropriate.

What we do not do is take sides in domestic political contests. That is neither effective nor legitimate.

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This same approach applies globally. Whether in Europe, Africa, Asia, or the Americas, U.S. statements on elections emphasize process and legality, not winners and losers.

This principle reflects both respect for sovereignty and an understanding of the limits of external influence.

V. Regional Responsibility and Stability

The United States also expects countries to take primary responsibility for their regions.

This principle appears clearly in both the National Security Strategy and the National Defense Strategy. The United States remains engaged globally, but it does not seek to manage every regional challenge alone.

In South Asia, this means recognizing that regional issues—such as displacement, transnational crime, climate impacts, and public health—require regional cooperation.

Bangladesh plays an important role in this context. Its geography, population, and economic connections give it regional significance.

One example is the humanitarian challenge posed by displacement from neighboring conflicts. The United States has publicly recognized the burden Bangladesh has carried, and continues to support humanitarian principles and durable solutions.

At the same time, the United States is clear that humanitarian assistance is most effective when paired with:

  • efficiency,
  • accountability,
  • and long-term planning.

These are shared challenges, not unilateral demands.

VI. Health Security as a Shared Interest

Another area where U.S. policy has evolved is health security.

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored a simple reality: infectious diseases do not respect borders. Public health capacity is now viewed as a matter of national and international security.

The United States works with partners around the world, including Bangladesh, on:

  • disease surveillance,
  • outbreak preparedness,
  • and health workforce training.

This cooperation is technical and practical. It is not ideological. It reflects shared interests in protecting lives and maintaining social and economic stability.

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Programs that strengthen disease detection and response capacity help not only the host country, but also the broader region and the global community.

VII. People-to-People Ties and the Role of Universities

Finally, I want to emphasize the importance of people-to-people ties.

Government policies matter, but relationships between societies matter just as much. Students, researchers, entrepreneurs, and diaspora communities form the foundation of long-term partnerships.

Universities like the University of Dhaka are central to this effort. They educate future leaders, generate new ideas, and connect Bangladesh to global networks of knowledge.

The United States continues to support educational exchanges and academic cooperation because they serve mutual interests. They build understanding, resilience, and opportunity over time.

Conclusion

Let me conclude with three brief points.

First, U.S. foreign policy today is pragmatic. It is shaped by limits as well as ambitions.

Second, the United States respects Bangladesh’s sovereignty and its right to determine its own path. Our engagement is based on interests, not prescriptions.

Third, the U.S.–Bangladesh relationship is broader than any single issue. It encompasses trade, education, regional stability, health security, and human connections that extend well beyond governments.

Dialogue—especially in academic settings—is essential to navigating a complex world. I appreciate the opportunity to engage with you today, and I look forward to your questions.

Thank you.