OECD lifts 2024 growth forecasts, driven by US

Within the complicated fabric of international relations, the interplay between states frequently conceals intricacies that challenge superficial interpretations. The relationship between the United States and Bangladesh is characterised by both cooperation and disagreement.

Recently, the Freedom and Prosperity Centre of the Atlantic Council released a country report titled Freedom and Prosperity in Bangladesh. The report suggests that while Bangladesh experienced a decline in freedom, it witnessed progress in terms of prosperity. A review of the report shows that Bangladesh outperformed its South Asian neighbours, India and Pakistan, in prosperity but faced a setback in the Freedom Index, overshadowing the achievement. According to the US-based think tank, Bangladesh ranked 99th in the Prosperity Index and 141st in the Freedom Index.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina`s leadership in guiding Bangladesh`s development has taken a significant step forward as US officials have acknowledged the new administration following the general elections, indicating a potential period of cooperation and stability. The recognition of this significant advancement by the US think-tank The Atlantic Council highlights a critical juncture in Bangladesh`s political environment, which has the potential to bring about a phase of more efficient government and more international collaboration.

“US-Bangladesh TICFA Intersessional Meeting" held in Dhaka on 21 April under the Trade and Investment Agreement Framework (TICFA). The US delegation team was led by Brendan Lynch, an assistant United States Trade Representative (USTR) representative for South and Central Asia. Bangladesh delegation team was led by the Senior Secretary of Commerce Tapan Kanti Ghosh. In the meeting, an 11-point "Bangladesh Labour Action Plan" was presented by the US delegation team, asking for meaningful actions in the country. An analysis needs to be conducted regarding the possible impact of the conditions in Bangladesh`s pretext.

A shadow of doubt and anxiety hangs over Bangladesh about India’s plans to institute a pan-India National Register of Citizens (NRC). The complex demographics of Bangladesh and its long and porous border with India are at the core of the issue. People frequently travel across to exchange commodities, work informal jobs, and visit family members.