Bangladesh has conveyed to the new Biden administration that the country is looking for economic cooperation to develop its infrastructure and doesn’t wish to get involved in the security dynamics of the US’ Ind0-Pacific framework. 

“We are now busy with our development plan. Our main target is to develop infrastructure and giving a better life to our people,” Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momin briefed reporters in Bangladesh after returning from his first visit to the US under the Biden Administration. 

He, however, confirmed that a senior official from the White House approached him asking his views on security aspects of the Bay of Bengal region. “We said we don’t think of it; we are pretty secure. Rather we are interested in economic and infrastructure development,” Momin responded to the official. 

“All countries are our friends. We are more concerned about providing food, security, and better living,” he was quoted as saying by UNB. 

Bangladesh's views are significant as it does not want to be part of any perceived anti-China grouping. China is a major economic partner in Bangladesh's development and is also a military supplier.  

Momin visited the US last week, expressing his country's willingness to enhance bilateral relations under the new administration in the US. During his visit, Anthony Blinken, the US secretary of state, however, could not meet with him. The two, though, had exchanged their views over a phone call. 

Bangladesh expects renewed push from the Biden administration to press Myanmar for the repatriation of around one million Rohingya refugees, which are currently in Bangladesh.  It fears that the West may only have limited influence over the military regime in Myanmar.