Bangladesh is increasing imports from the United States and expects greater economic support from Washington amid improving bilateral relations, Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has said.

The minister made the remarks on Wednesday after a meeting with representatives of the US Department of the Treasury in Bangkok.

Bangladesh discussed debt management, bilateral relations and other economic issues with US Treasury officials, he said, adding that the government expected greater assistance from Washington as relations between the two countries continued to develop.

“In the past, we did not receive much support from the United States. Now, given the close relationship between the two countries, we expect assistance,” Amir Khasru said.

He noted that Bangladesh was purchasing aircraft from the United States and increasing imports of various goods, including soybeans. Against this backdrop, he said, the country should receive greater US support to advance its development goals and economic interests.

A Bangladeshi delegation held talks with US Treasury officials in Bangkok on Wednesday morning.

Following the meeting, Prime Minister’s Economic Adviser Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir told The Business Standard that the US Treasury Department would cooperate with Bangladesh to help maintain economic stability.

Titumir said the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank and the US Treasury Department had agreed that the current government had inherited the country’s economic difficulties and high inflation.

He also said the conflict in the Middle East had affected Bangladesh’s economy. According to Titumir, the international institutions believe the government is working sincerely to address these challenges.

He added that the World Bank, IMF, US Treasury Department and other organisations had indicated their willingness to support Bangladesh.

Titumir said assurances regarding the expected assistance could become clearer within the next two to three months.

The discussions come as Bangladesh seeks international cooperation to address economic pressures, manage debt and maintain stability amid persistent inflation and external uncertainties.