Published : 01 Jul 2025, 09:03 AM
Updated : 21 Aug 2026, 01:28 PM
Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio have reaffirmed their nations’ shared commitment to enhancing security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific during a phone conversation, according to the Chief Advisor’s Office (CAO).
The call, which began at 7:30pm and lasted approximately 15 minutes, was described by the CAO as “warm, cordial, and constructive", underscoring what the statement called the “excellent bilateral ties” between the two countries.
In a statement, Yunus’s office said the two leaders covered a range of issues including trade negotiations, democratic transition, ongoing reforms, the upcoming election, regional stability, and the Rohingya crisis.
The call came amid continued talks between the two governments over supplementary tariffs on Bangladeshi goods imposed by the Donald Trump administration.
The CAO had earlier said discussions on the matter resumed on Saturday.
A separate press note said the latest meeting was held in Washington on Thursday, with Bangladesh represented by National Security Advisor Khililur Rahman and the US side led by an assistant trade representative.
According to the statement, Yunus told Rubio that his security advisor held a “productive meeting” with US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Landau, calling it part of the broader efforts to deepen bilateral ties.
The interim prime minister also thanked Trump for agreeing to suspend reciprocal tariff measures for 90 days, it added.
The CAO noted Rubio expressed support for Bangladesh’s reform efforts and the caretaker government’s plan to hold elections early next year.
Yunus reaffirmed that the vote would take place “in the early part of next year”, adding that dialogue with political parties was under way to deliver much-needed reforms, it added.
“The Election Commission is working hard to reorganise the electoral system, which was destroyed by the previous government. Our young people will vote for the first time in their lives.”
The chief advisor also raised the Rohingya issue, thanking Washington for remaining the largest donor to the humanitarian response since 2017, the statement read.
“The prospect for a viable solution and repatriation of Rohingya back to Myanmar is now better than ever before, and Bangladesh is working on that.”
The CAO said the two leaders also exchanged views on Dhaka’s relations with its neighbours.
It added that Yunus invited Rubio to visit Bangladesh ahead of the upcoming general election “to witness the transition to democracy first-hand”, adding, “It will inspire our young people.”
