US Offers Defence Alternatives to China Ahead of Bangladesh Election

The United States has expressed concern over China’s growing influence in South Asia and said it plans to offer Bangladesh’s next government U.S. and allied defence systems as alternatives to Chinese military hardware, Washington’s ambassador to Dhaka told Reuters.

Bangladesh is set to vote in a general election on Thursday, months after a Gen Z-led uprising ousted then prime minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. Hasina later took refuge in India, a shift that diplomats say has allowed China to expand its influence in Bangladesh as India’s role has weakened.

China recently signed a defence agreement with Bangladesh to set up a drone factory near the Indian border, raising concern among foreign diplomats. Bangladesh is also in talks with Pakistan to purchase JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, a multi-role aircraft jointly developed by Pakistan and China.

“The United States is concerned about growing Chinese influence in South Asia and is committed to working closely with the Bangladeshi government to clearly communicate the risks of certain types of engagement with China,” U.S. Ambassador Brent T. Christensen said in an interview on Tuesday.

He said the United States could offer a range of defence options, including systems from the U.S. and its allies, to help Bangladesh meet its military needs and reduce reliance on Chinese equipment. He did not provide further details.

In response, China’s foreign ministry said China and Bangladesh are comprehensive strategic partners and have cooperated in political, economic and security areas for mutual benefit. The ministry said such cooperation is not directed against any third country and warned against outside interference.

Christensen also said the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump would like to see improved relations between Bangladesh and India to support regional stability. Ties between New Delhi and Dhaka have deteriorated since Hasina fled, affecting visa services and bilateral cricket relations.

Commercial diplomacy a priority The ambassador said many U.S. companies are considering investment in Bangladesh but expect clear signals from the next government that the country is “open for business”.

“Commercial diplomacy is one of our top priorities,” Christensen said, adding that Washington wants to build on progress made with the interim government, especially in trade, investment, and security cooperation.

U.S. energy company Chevron has operated in Bangladesh for decades, but few other American firms have a visible presence in the country of about 175 million people. High taxes and difficulties in repatriating profits have discouraged investment. Bangladesh currently has no Starbucks or McDonald’s outlets.

Christensen said the United States would work with whichever government is elected by the Bangladeshi people. The election is being contested mainly by two coalitions led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami, with opinion polls indicating an advantage for the BNP.

Aid for Rohingya refugees On the issue of Rohingya refugees, the ambassador said the United States remains the largest donor to humanitarian efforts supporting the more than 1.2 million Rohingya living in Bangladesh.

“The U.S. remains the largest contributor to the Rohingya refugee response and continues robust health programming in Bangladesh,” he said. He referred to a recent $2 billion global funding framework signed with the United Nations to improve humanitarian assistance, including in Bangladesh.

Christensen urged other international donors to increase their support, saying the United States cannot shoulder the burden alone.

In recent years, the UN refugee agency has struggled to raise sufficient funds, resulting in reduced food rations and the closure of some schools for Rohingya refugees.