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United States secretary of state Marco Rubio held a telephone conversation with Bangladesh interim government chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Monday evening to reaffirm their shared commitment to deepening economic ties with Bangladesh and enhancing security and stability throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

During the call, both leaders discussed issues of mutual interest, including Bangladesh’s trade talks with the US, ongoing reforms process, transition to democracy, upcoming general election and aid for Rohingyas, said a release shared by the chief adviser’s press wing.

Secretary Rubio expressed support for Bangladesh’s reform agenda and its move to hold elections early next year, it added.

‘Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke today with the Chief Advisor of Bangladesh’s Interim Government, Dr Muhammad Yunus,’ said the US Department of State spokesperson Tammy Bruce in a statement following the conversation held around 7:30pm.

The spokesperson said, ‘The Secretary and Chief Adviser affirmed their shared commitment to deepening economic ties between the United States and Bangladesh and to enhancing security and stability throughout the Indo-Pacific region.’

The US embassy in Dhaka shared the link of the statement of the state department’s spokesperson.

Highlighting that the US is Bangladesh’s largest export destination and top source of remittances, both leaders expressed hope of concluding talks on tariffs soon, paving the way for increased bilateral trade, the CA press wing’s release added.

Professor Yunus mentioned that his national security adviser recently had an excellent meeting with deputy secretary of state Landau in Washington, DC, and emphasised their commitment to strengthening bilateral bonds, said the release.

Chief adviser Yunus also thanked US president Donald Trump for responding positively to his request to suspend reciprocal tariff measures on Bangladesh for 90 days, adding, ‘We are working with your officials to finalise a package of measures to effectively respond to President Trump’s trade agenda.’

Seeking US support for the country’s democratic transition, chief adviser Yunus reaffirmed that elections would be held ‘in the early part of next year’ and that ongoing dialogue between his government and political parties would result in much-needed reforms of the country’s political system.

He noted, ‘The Election Commission is working hard to reorganise the electoral system, which was destroyed by the previous government. Our young people will vote for the first time in their lives.’

The chief adviser commended Washington for its continued generous support to Rohingyas. The US has been the top donor to the Rohingya humanitarian responses since 2017.

‘The prospect for a viable solution and repatriation of Rohingyas back to Myanmar is now better than ever before and Bangladesh is working on that,’ Professor Yunus said.

The two leaders also touched upon geopolitical issues, including the need for a stable and peaceful Indo-Pacific region and Bangladesh’s relationships with its neighbours.

Chief adviser Yunus invited Secretary Rubio to visit Bangladesh ahead of the general election to witness the country’s transition to democracy firsthand, stating, ‘It will inspire our young people.’

About the telephone conversation, chief adviser’s press secretary Shafiqul Alam said, ‘The 15-minute discussion was warm, cordial, and constructive, reflecting excellent bilateral engagement between the two nations.’