US President Donald Trump has congratulated Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and expressed hope that the new leader will help sustain the strong momentum in US-Bangladesh trade relations.

“On behalf of the American people, I congratulate you on your historic election and wish you a successful term as Prime Minister of the People's Republic of Bangladesh,” Trump wrote in a letter to the prime minister, who took oath on February 17.

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs shared the letter on X today.

“The partnership between our countries is based on mutual respect and a shared interest in fostering a free and open Indo-Pacific where strong, sovereign nations can prosper,” Trump wrote in the letter yesterday.

He added that as Tarique Rahman begins his term, he hopes the prime minister will help maintain the tremendous momentum in US-Bangladesh trade relations through the implementation of the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade, which benefits farmers and workers in both countries.

“I also hope you will take decisive action to complete the routine defence agreements that would finally give your military access to high-end, American-made equipment -- the best in the world!,” he wrote.

Trump expressed his eagerness to work with the prime minister to strengthen ties between the United States and Bangladesh.

“My Ambassador to Bangladesh, Brent Christensen, has my full confidence. Together, we have an opportunity to make both of our nations more prosperous and secure,” he said.