United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh and the United States have discussed "potential acquisition" of US-origin equipment to enhance interoperability and capabilities. Lt Gen Joel P Vowell, Deputy Commanding General, US Army Pacific, visited Bangladesh om March 24 – 25, said the US Embassy in Dhaka.  During his visit, Lt Gen Vowell met counterparts in the armed forces of Bangladesh, reinforcing the US Army’s commitment to a strong relationship with the Bangladesh Army while highlighting shared security interests and ongoing collaboration.  Committed to working together to make both nations "safer, stronger": US to Bangladesh This includes recognition of the Bangladesh Army’s ongoing support to domestic security, particularly in light of other demands such as disaster response; dialogue on Bangladesh’s primary military challenges and potential areas where the US can provide support; discussion of Exercise TIGER LIGHTNING in Summer ’25 and appreciation for the professionalism of the Bangladesh military and the importance of professional military forces in ensuring regional stability.

Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin on Sunday reiterated the commitment of the interim government to arranging a free, fair and credible election. He conveyed this when Ambassador Tracey Ann Jacobson, Chargé d'Affaires of the United States Embassy in Dhaka, met him at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Foreign Ministry holds event on International Mother Language Day Jacobson conveyed the commitment of the US Administration in the ongoing democratic transformation and strengthening Bangladesh-US relationship in the areas of mutual interest including trade, investment, development cooperation, energy security, public health as well as institution building and forcibly displaced Rohingyas. They also discussed issues relating to the Ukraine-Russia war.

US President Donald Trump has said a firm with just two people received $29 million for a project to strengthen the political landscape in Bangladesh. "$29 million to strengthen the political landscape in Bangladesh. Went to a firm that nobody ever heard of," said President Trump. "Can you imagine you have a little firm. You get 10,000 here, 10,000 there, and then we get $29 million from the United States government. They had two people working in that firm, two people, I think they're very happy, they're very rich," he said while speaking to US governors at the White House on Friday. Trump administration takes aim at $4b in funding for California high-speed rail The US President e spoke about a string of USAID projects that were being axed upon recommendation from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) headed by Elon Musk. "They'll be on the cover of a very good business magazine pretty soon, for being great scammers," he said. Trump also mentioned a project going to India. "$21 million [was] going to my friend, Prime Minister Modi, in India for voter turnout. We're giving 21 million for voter turnout in India. What about us? I want voter turnout too," he said.