US-Bangladesh relations now matters more than ever: Paul Kapur

US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Paul Kapur has said that relations between the United States and Bangladesh are now more important than at any previous time.

He made the remarks as the chief guest at a reception organised by the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, DC, marking the country’s Independence and National Day. The event was held at the embassy on Thursday evening (local time).

On Friday, the US Department of State’s Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs shared a post on its verified X (formerly Twitter) account regarding Kapur’s participation in the event.

The post included Kapur’s remarks. He said, “I attended the National Day reception at the Embassy of Bangladesh to speak about our bilateral relations.”

“Today, the U.S.-Bangladesh relationship matters more than ever. Our cooperation in areas including security, trade, and governance, as well as our shared values, makes our countries more prosperous and secure,” he added.

According to sources at the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, Paul Kapur expressed optimism about the future of bilateral relations and highlighted their importance.

He spoke on issues including business, trade, energy, agricultural products, and security.

Paul Kapur said Bangladesh holds an important strategic position among US partners in terms of security. Developments at sea or along borders have implications not only for the Indo-Pacific region but also for global security.

He added that the two countries can work together to ensure Bangladesh can independently make decisions in a complex strategic environment while safeguarding its sovereignty and maritime domain.

Without mentioning China by name, Paul Kapur alluded to geopolitical competition with the country.

He said they do not pressure Bangladesh to choose any specific side. They offer advanced technologies that Bangladesh can use independently and apply to protect its sovereignty