White House Issues Congratulatory Letter to Bangladesh's New Prime Minister Tarique Rahman
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US President Donald J. Trump has extended warm congratulations to Tarique Rahman following his recent swearing-in as Prime Minister of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, signaling strong US interest in deepening bilateral ties.
In a formal letter dated February 18, 2026, from the White House, President Trump congratulated Rahman on his "historic election" and wished him success in his term as leader of the nation. The letter, addressed to "His Excellency Tarique Rahman, Prime Minister of the People's Republic of Bangladesh," highlights the foundation of US-Bangladesh relations on "mutual respect and a shared interest in fostering a free and open Indo-Pacific where strong, sovereign nations can prosper."
Trump expressed hope that Rahman would help sustain momentum in bilateral trade by implementing the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade, which he noted benefits farmers and workers in both countries. The President also urged decisive action to complete routine defense agreements, which would provide Bangladesh's military with access to high-end, American-made equipment—"the best in the world!"
The letter emphasizes optimism for the future: "I look forward to working with you to make the relationship between the United States and Bangladesh stronger than ever before." Trump placed full confidence in US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent Christensen and concluded by stating that the two nations have an opportunity to become "more prosperous and secure," wishing Rahman "good luck in the days ahead!"
Rahman, chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), was sworn in as Prime Minister on February 17, 2026, following his party's landslide victory in the February 12 general elections—the first since the 2024 student-led uprising that ousted former leader Sheikh Hasina. The BNP secured a commanding majority in parliament, marking a major political shift after Rahman's return from 17 years of self-imposed exile in late 2025.
This congratulatory message from President Trump underscores the US administration's eagerness to strengthen strategic, trade, and defense cooperation with the new Bangladeshi government amid evolving regional dynamics in the Indo-Pacific.
The letter has been shared publicly by Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reflecting the positive tone in early diplomatic engagements between the two countries.
