DHAKA, Bangladesh (CU)_Dr. AK Abdul Momen, Bangladesh’s foreign minister, has said that Dhaka intends to work with the US on Indo-Pacific security issues, despite Bangladesh’s focus on progression. This was confirmed in a foreign ministry statement, which stated that some newspapers falsely reported the foreign minister’s claims that Bangladesh does not want to work with the US on Indo-Pacific security.
The foreign minister said: “Bangladesh’s priority is development. Bangladesh will welcome anyone who comes forward for infrastructure development and investment (in Bangladesh).” Dr. Momen recently visited the United States as part of a strategy to connect with the new US administration in order to strengthen bilateral ties and express Bangladesh’s willingness to collaborate closely with the Biden administration.
The foreign minister was quoted in the statement as saying that Dhaka will welcome anyone who wants to help with infrastructure growth or investment, but that purchasing defense goods is not a top priority for the Bangladeshi government. According to Dr. Momen, food, clothing, housing, schooling, and healthcare are among the government’s top priorities. The foreign minister said that Dhaka wants a free and safe Bay of Bengal for all, and that the Bangladeshi government would welcome US investment initiatives in the Indo-Pacific region.
