US dev support won't harm our relations with other countries
When Bangladesh develops, other countries will also benefit from it.
It's too early to talk about the significance of the recent US support to Bangladesh. We can only say once the specifics come out, such as which sectors we will receive support in.
So far, that hasn't been made clear. We will know when it's revealed whether there is any specific financial commitment, what the terms of reference are, whether they will provide support for infrastructure, budgetary support, or something else.
For now, in general, they have committed to our chief advisor that they will provide support, which is a positive sign.
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If the US helps us with development, such as in infrastructure and budgetary support, it won't harm our relations with other countries because it's a win-win situation. When Bangladesh develops, other countries will also benefit from it.
However, our government will decide what kind of development we need and set our priorities. My point is, if any development isn't aligned with the ordinary people's interest, it won't be sustainable.
Infrastructure development is undoubtedly a crucial matter, there's no doubt about that. Beyond that, we also need improvements in the healthcare sector. Many of our people go to Bangkok and Singapore for treatment, which is a huge loss for the country. This could be changed and would reduce a significant financial drain. We also need support in education.
But in the end, the new government will set the priorities for which sectors they seek help from the US.
The author is a professor of International Relations at the University of Dhaka
