Dhaka: State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam stated on Monday that Bangladesh is considering a US proposal for civil nuclear cooperation positively, with the caveat that any engagement with Washington will be contingent upon serving the interests of the Bangladeshi people. She emphasized that the government’s approach remains optimistic, and any potential bilateral agreement with the United States will be evaluated based on the national interest of Bangladesh.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Shama Obaed addressed queries at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, affirming that the government is committed to pursuing agreements that benefit the citizens, bolster the economy, and enhance bilateral relations. She underscored that any proposal contrary to these interests would prompt a reassessment by the government.
During the recent visit of US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor, Washington reportedly presented a memorandum of understanding concerning civil nuclear cooperation with Bangladesh. In related developments, US Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Steve Koehler is scheduled to visit Bangladesh from August 4 to 6. According to US Embassy Dhaka Acting Spokesperson Mara Bird, Admiral Koehler’s visit aims to engage with senior Bangladeshi officials to discuss the enduring Bangladesh-US defense partnership and explore avenues for expanding collaboration in areas such as maritime security, humanitarian assistance, disaster response, and professional military education.
Adm. Steve Koehler hails from a Navy family and is a 1986 graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder with a Bachelor of Science in Physics, commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC). Designated as a naval aviator in March 1989, he has accumulated over 3,900 flight hours in the F-14 Tomcat and F-18 Super Hornet, including 600 carrier landings. He further holds a master’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College and is an alumnus of the Joint Staff College and the Navy Nuclear Power Program.