Positioned at the southern edge of the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh holds a strategically advantageous spot in the Indo-Pacific region. Its extensive maritime domain and closeness to vital sea routes make it a promising candidate for significant involvement in regional maritime operations. Overlooking crucial trade corridors such as the Strait of Malacca and neighboring the Strait of Hormuz, Bangladesh presents a potential logistical hub for the U.S. Navy. Despite the largely underutilized naval potential, the country’s rich maritime heritage and active shipbuilding sector provide ample prospects for strengthening maritime security.
During the 1971 Liberation War, the United States initially supported Pakistan but swiftly recognized Bangladesh shortly after its independence. Since then, the bilateral relationship has expanded to include various aspects such as trade, security, and strategic collaboration. The creation of the Annual Partnership Dialogue has been instrumental in fortifying the connection between Dhaka and Washington.
US Deputy Assistant Secretary Afreen Akhter has highlighted Bangladesh’s pivotal role as a strategic ally, with both nations aiming to deepen their partnership over the next five decades. The US State Department (2023) regards Bangladesh as a key regional partner concerning economic, environmental, humanitarian, and security issues.
Relevance of Bangladesh
The geo-strategic relevance of this country has become increasingly clear as global focus shifts from the Middle East to the Asia-Pacific and South Asia. Its involvement in geopolitical connectivity initiatives and its location at the northern end of the Bay of Bengal make it an essential player in the regional power dynamics between India and China. The 2012 Fact Sheet on US-Bangla relations and a 2010 Congressional Research Service report underscore Bangladesh’s strategic importance. Former Ambassador Dan Mozena and policy documents consistently highlight the country’s significance in regional security and global geopolitical frameworks.
Economically, Bangla’s market potential and trade prospects have been central to US interests. The 1976 foreign policy objectives and recent Congressional reports emphasize economic engagement, development, trade, and investment as crucial elements of the relationship. President Obama and various US enterprises acknowledge Bangladesh’s economic potential, with trade and investment being significant facets of the partnership.
In terms of security, Bangladesh’s efforts in combating extremism and contributing to international peacekeeping resonate with US interests. The US Department of State and terrorism reports recognize Bangla’s role in countering global threats.
Bangladesh’s naval capabilities are advancing, with recent acquisitions such as Ming-class submarines from China and expanding naval infrastructure. The modernization of the Bangladesh Navy, supported by Chinese assistance and Western technology, could enhance its role in broader Indo-Pacific operations. Indigenous technological developments and Western training further position Bangladesh as a prospective partner in maritime security.
The strategic significance of Bangladesh’s naval bases, particularly those overlooking Myanmar’s Rakhine region and the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC), offers advantages. Collaboration with the Bangladesh Navy could support US Navy objectives, including surveillance of Chinese projects and protection of the Malacca Strait. Bangladesh’s advocacy for a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” aligns with international maritime norms, though its traditional stance of non-interference and neutrality remains.
The United States could benefit from aiding Bangla’s naval modernization through training, equipment, and technology. Enhanced naval exercises and operational collaboration could strengthen the partnership. Bangladesh’s maritime facilities could serve as logistical hubs and safe havens for the US Navy, especially since the US lacks bases in the Bay of Bengal. The development of the Matarbari deep-sea port in Cox’s Bazar, with Japanese support, could further facilitate US naval operations and strategic leverage against China.
Bangladesh’s democratic values and its role as a counterbalance to China-aligned Myanmar make it a valuable ally. Its location also offers potential ISR advantages for the US, influencing strategic regions such as Tibet and Yunnan. As a dynamic democracy with evolving maritime capabilities, this country stands out as a significant partner for the United States in the Indian Ocean region.
Dr. Md. Shariful Islam, Associate Professor of International Relations at the University of Rajshahi and adjunct research fellow at the KRF Center for Bangladesh and Global Affairs in Dhaka, provides insight into these dynamics.
This revised article integrates the geopolitical, economic, and strategic dimensions of Bangladesh’s relationship with the United States, highlighting its potential role in regional maritime operations.
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