Bangladesh expresses interest in joining Trump's proposed Gaza force

Bangladesh's interim government has expressed interest in joining the international stabilisation force that US President Donald Trump plans to form for Gaza.

In response, the United States has said it is also keen to work jointly with Bangladesh on this "important" matter.

The government's national security adviser, Khalilur Rahman, expressed this interest during a meeting in Washington with US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker and Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Paul Kapoor, according to a press release from the chief adviser's office.

The meeting also covered easing visa procedures for Bangladeshi businesspeople, the Rohingya issue, and Bangladesh's upcoming election. The US side assured it would positively consider Bangladesh's interest in the Gaza force and might review the visa bond policy if overstays by tourist visa holders decreased significantly.

It also praised Bangladesh's cooperation in repatriating individuals staying in the US without proper documents.

A US-drafted resolution for Gaza, passed by the UN Security Council last November, supports President Trump's plan for a ceasefire and mentions forming an International Stabilisation Force (ISF). This force would oversee Gaza's demilitarisation process, from collecting weapons to dismantling military infrastructure.

Analysts suggest this move signals Bangladesh's desire to work more closely with the Trump administration amid current global instability. Former ambassador Humayun Kabir stated that Bangladesh typically participates in UN-sanctioned peacekeeping and might join if the force is formed under a UN mandate. Pakistan has also shown interest in contributing troops, pending clarity on the force's mandate.

The development comes as the US has added Bangladesh to a list of countries subject to a mandatory visa bond system, effective January 21, which could complicate travel for tourists and businesspeople. During the talks, Bangladesh also requested a reduction in US countervailing duties on its exports, which were raised to 20% last August.

Trade deficit remains a key issue, with the US importing goods worth $8.37 billion from Bangladesh in 2024 while exporting $2.21 billion. Bangladesh has begun importing more products like wheat, cotton, and LNG from the US, sometimes at higher prices, to reduce the deficit by an estimated $200 million.

Analysts like Professor Shahab Enam Khan of Jahangirnagar University see no negative geopolitical risks for Bangladesh in joining such a force but emphasise the need for clear communication domestically and with OIC members to avoid misunderstandings. He added that maintaining a cooperative relationship with the US is crucial for Bangladesh regarding issues like LDC graduation and trade agreements.