Trump congratulates Bangladesh PM Rahman, says partnership based on 'mutual respect'

US President expresses desire to work with new Bangladeshi leader, emphasizes trade and defense agreements.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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US President Donald Trump congratulated Tarique Rahman on becoming the new Prime Minister of Bangladesh, stating that the partnership between the two countries is based on 'mutual respect and shared interest' in ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Trump expressed hope to work with Rahman to maintain momentum in the US-Bangladesh trade relationship and complete defense agreements to provide the Bangladeshi military access to American-made equipment.

Why it matters

The congratulatory message from President Trump signals the importance the US places on its relationship with Bangladesh, a key strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific. Strengthening economic and defense ties could have significant geopolitical implications in the region as the US and Bangladesh work to counter Chinese influence.

The details

In his message, Trump praised the 'tremendous momentum' in the US-Bangladesh trade relationship and urged Rahman to implement the 'Agreement on Reciprocal Trade' which he claimed benefits farmers and workers in both countries. The US President also expressed hope that Rahman would take action to complete routine defense agreements, which would provide the Bangladeshi military access to advanced American military equipment.

  • On February 19, 2026, US President Donald Trump congratulated Tarique Rahman on becoming the new Prime Minister of Bangladesh.

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States who served from 2017 to 2021.

Tarique Rahman

The newly elected Prime Minister of Bangladesh who assumed office in 2026.

Brent Christensen

The US Ambassador to Bangladesh.

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What they’re saying

“The partnership between our countries is based on mutual respect and a shared interest in fostering a free and open Indo-Pacific where strong, sovereign nations can prosper.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States (White House)

“As you begin your term, I hope you will help me maintain the tremendous momentum in our trade relationship through the implementation of our Agreement on Reciprocal Trade, which benefits farmers and workers in both of our countries.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States (White House)

“I also hope you will take decisive action to complete the routine defense agreements that would finally give your military access to high-end, American-made equipment--the best in the world!”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States (White House)

What’s next

The two countries are expected to work towards finalizing the routine defense agreements mentioned by President Trump, which would provide the Bangladeshi military access to advanced American military equipment.

The takeaway

The congratulatory message from President Trump underscores the strategic importance of the US-Bangladesh relationship, particularly in the context of the broader geopolitical competition in the Indo-Pacific region. Strengthening economic and defense ties could have significant implications for the balance of power in the region.