**Bangladesh Open to US Nuclear Cooperation, Conditions Apply**
Bangladesh has signaled a willingness to explore cooperation with the United States on nuclear power, contingent on the benefits such agreements would bring to the country. This openness comes amid ongoing resistance to ratifying a reciprocal trade deal signed by a previous interim government, which places limitations on Bangladesh's foreign policy and trade capabilities.
During a press conference on Monday, Bangladeshi junior foreign minister Shama Obaed Islam stated, “We are positive,” regarding potential nuclear collaboration. However, she emphasized that any agreement must serve the interests of Bangladesh and its economy. “If any agreement with the US is beneficial for our bilateral relations and is in the interest of Bangladesh and its economy, we will proceed. If not, we will reconsider,” she added.
The proposal for nuclear cooperation was presented by US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia, Sergio Gor, during his recent visit to Dhaka. This visit was perceived as an effort to encourage Bangladesh to ratify the Agreement to Reciprocal Trade (ART), which was signed in February just prior to the country’s elections. The ART has faced criticism for constraining Bangladesh's ability to engage freely in international trade and foreign relations.
The interim government of Bangladesh had previously committed to purchasing 14 Boeing aircraft for approximately $3.7 billion, following pressure from the Trump administration aimed at increasing exports to Bangladesh.
In terms of trade, Bangladesh's bilateral exchanges with the US reached about $12 billion in 2024, largely driven by the country's robust apparel and textile exports. However, the Trump administration's provisions within the ART complicate Bangladesh's trade relations, particularly with nations classified as “non-market economies,” which include long-standing partners like Russia and China.
Under the terms of the ART, Bangladesh would face higher tariffs if it engages in new bilateral free trade agreements with non-market countries. Furthermore, the agreement restricts the country from acquiring new nuclear reactors, fuel rods, or enriched uranium from nations that could jeopardize US interests.
Gor's proposal for nuclear cooperation arrives in the context of Bangladesh's ongoing efforts to develop its nuclear energy capabilities. Recently, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the commissioning process for the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, Bangladesh's first nuclear facility, which is being built and financed by Russia. The $12.8 billion project is the most significant infrastructure investment in the nation’s history, with a planned capacity of 2,400 MW. The plant is nearing the commencement of commercial power generation, although US sanctions on Russia have complicated financial transactions for the project.
China remains Bangladesh's largest trading partner, with bilateral trade amounting to approximately $22 billion annually. In light of this complex international landscape, Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman has stated that the government does not feel pressured regarding the ratification of the ART. He remarked, “We will never strengthen relations with one country at the expense of another,” indicating a desire to maintain balanced relations with multiple countries while prioritizing Bangladesh's national interests.
As the Bangladeshi government considers Gor's nuclear cooperation proposal, it is currently under review by the Ministry of Science and Technology. The outcome of this review could shape the future of Bangladesh's energy strategy and its international trade relations, particularly with the US and other key partners.