PRESS RELEASE: GCDG Expresses Deep Concern Over Proposed U.S.-Bangladesh Defense Agreements

Date: 20 May 2026

PRESS RELEASE

GCDG Expresses Deep Concern Over Proposed U.S.-Bangladesh Defense Agreements

The Global Center for Democratic Governance (GCDG) expresses grave concern over reports that the Bangladesh government is preparing to sign, or has already quietly advanced, two major defense agreements with the United States: the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) and the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA).

If finalized without public consultation, parliamentary scrutiny, or national consensus, these agreements would mark a dangerous departure from Bangladesh’s long-standing foreign policy principle of “friendship to all and malice toward none.”

GSOMIA and ACSA are not merely technical arrangements; they carry far-reaching geopolitical and strategic consequences. Such agreements could gradually pull Bangladesh into the military and strategic orbit of a global power, weakening the country’s independent decision-making capacity and compromising sovereign control over defense and security matters. Reports suggest that ACSA could expand logistical access for foreign military operations, while GSOMIA may deepen intelligence-sharing and military integration with external actors.

Bangladesh has historically pursued a balanced and non-aligned foreign policy, maintaining constructive relations with all major global and regional powers. Entering into binding military arrangements under foreign pressure risks increasing regional tensions in South Asia and the Bay of Bengal and could entangle Bangladesh in broader geopolitical rivalries.

GCDG is particularly alarmed by allegations that these agreements may be linked to ongoing trade and diplomatic negotiations with the United States. Any attempt to exchange economic or political support for strategic and military concessions would be unacceptable and contrary to Bangladesh’s national interest.

At a time when the people of Bangladesh are demanding democracy, accountability, economic relief, and free political participation, the government lacks the moral and political mandate to undertake secretive long-term security commitments that could fundamentally alter the country’s strategic posture.

These reported moves also expose the political weakness and growing unpopularity of the BNP-led government, which appears increasingly willing to compromise Bangladesh’s sovereignty and national interests in order to secure foreign backing and political legitimacy from external powers.

GCDG therefore calls upon the government of Bangladesh to:

1. Immediately disclose the full status and contents of any negotiations regarding GSOMIA and ACSA.
2. Refrain from signing any military or strategic agreement without full parliamentary debate and public transparency.
3. Protect Bangladesh’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independent foreign policy.
4. Ensure that Bangladesh is not turned into a platform for foreign military competition in the region.

GCDG stands firmly with the people of Bangladesh in defending national sovereignty, democratic accountability, and an independent foreign policy free from undue foreign influence.

Media Contact:

Global Center for Democratic Governance

Email: contact@globalcdg.org