Bangladesh, US discuss stronger cooperation in agriculture, trade, labour and health

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen paid a courtesy call on BNP Standing Committee member and Prime Minister's Adviser Nazrul Islam Khan today (14 July), where the two sides discussed bilateral relations and cooperation in agriculture, trade, labour, education, health, energy and the Rohingya crisis.

The meeting, held at the Prime Minister's Office, also focused on strengthening Bangladesh-US relations and expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Nazrul Islam Khan said Bangladesh and the United States have maintained friendly relations since Bangladesh's independence. He said there is considerable scope to strengthen cooperation in agriculture, food security, technology and employment generation.

He said Bangladesh's large population and limited land make agricultural modernisation, advanced technology and higher productivity essential to ensuring food security. He added that US technical and technological support could play an important role.

Nazrul Islam Khan also highlighted the government's efforts to increase agricultural production, create rural employment and improve livelihoods. He referred to the Prime Minister's agricultural card programme and initiatives to promote region-specific products based on the potential of different areas.

The meeting also discussed expanding electricity access in remote areas, including river island regions, through renewable energy. Nazrul Islam Khan said greater use of solar power could support agricultural production, irrigation, product storage and local employment.

The two sides also discussed the potential to export Bangladeshi agricultural products, including mangoes, to the US market.

Christensen stressed the need for effective cold chain systems and refrigerated transport to ensure proper storage, transportation and export of agricultural products. He said the United States is interested in supporting Bangladesh in developing related infrastructure and technology.

The ambassador also raised concerns over delays and administrative complexities in clearing US products at Bangladeshi ports. In response, Nazrul Islam Khan said the government is working to facilitate trade by speeding up port operations and removing unnecessary complications in import and export procedures.

Labour issues also featured prominently in the discussions. Christensen welcomed the passage of the Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, saying the reforms strengthen workers' rights and protections, improve alignment with international labour standards and make trade union activities more effective.

Nazrul Islam Khan said protecting workers' rights remains a government priority while maintaining a favourable environment for industrial production and investment. He added that Bangladesh has made significant progress in workplace safety and labour standards,particularly in the ready-made garment sector, but further efforts are needed to strengthen trade unions, resolve workers' complaints quickly, improve trust between employers and workers and ensure effective implementation of labour laws.

The Rohingya crisis was also discussed. Nazrul Islam Khan called for a safe, sustainable and dignified solution, stressing the need for continued international engagement and pressure on Myanmar. Christensen described the crisis as complex and said it requires regional and international cooperation.

The meeting also covered education and health cooperation, including opportunities for Bangladeshi students to pursue higher education in the United States, qualification assessments and improving educational standards.

Christensen said the United States continues to support school feeding programmes in several regions of Bangladesh to improve students' nutrition and school attendance. He also said the US will launch new initiatives to help prevent infectious diseases through improved detection, prevention, public awareness and stronger healthcare capacity.

Both sides expressed optimism about further strengthening Bangladesh-US relations and expanding cooperation in agriculture, trade, labour, education, health and technology.

Additional Agriculture Secretary Dr Md Mahmudur Rahman attended the meeting on behalf of the Bangladesh government. The US Embassy delegation included Agricultural Attaché Erin Covert, Political Officer James A Stewart and Labour Attaché Leena Khan. Deputy Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Shahadat Shadhin and Assistant Press Secretary Shahriar Pamir were also present.