State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Monday said Bangladesh views the US proposal on civil nuclear cooperation positively, stressing that any engagement with Washington will be considered if it serves the interests of the people of Bangladesh.

She said the government's approach remains “positive”, and any bilateral agreement with the United States will be considered based on Bangladesh's national interest.

While responding to a question at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Shama Obaed said the government would move forward with any agreement that benefits the people of Bangladesh, contributes to the country's economy, and helps deepen bilateral relations.

However, if any proposed agreement is found to be against the interests of the people, the government will reconsider it, she added.

During US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor's recent visit, Washington reportedly proposed a memorandum of understanding on civil nuclear cooperation with Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, US Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Steve Koehler will pay an official visit to Bangladesh from August 4 to 6, US Embassy Dhaka Acting Spokesperson Mara Bird said on Monday.

During his visit, Admiral Koehler plans to meet senior Bangladeshi officials to discuss the longstanding Bangladesh-US defense partnership and explore opportunities to expand cooperation in maritime security, humanitarian assistance, disaster response, and professional military education, Bird said.

Adm. Steve Koehler grew up in a Navy Family and is a 1986 graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder with a Bachelor of Science in Physics, where he was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC).

Designated a naval aviator in March 1989, he has flown over 3,900 hours in the F-14 Tomcat and F-18 Super Hornet with 600 carrier landings.

He holds a master’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College and is a graduate of the Joint Staff College and the Navy Nuclear Power Program.