Power Reset: Washington, Dhaka, and the New World Order

A rapidly shifting world order, rising great power competition, and a new political landscape in Bangladesh;what does it all mean for Dhaka-Washington relations?

In this episode of PowerPlay, Shahab Enam Khan talks with Atlantic Council’s Senior Fellow Michael Kugelman for a deep and timely conversation on the future of Bangladesh–United States ties.

From trade tensions and Section 301 concerns to China’s growing influence, the India factor, and the realities of a transactional world order under the Trump administration — this discussion unpacks the strategic dilemmas shaping Bangladesh’s foreign policy today. Key topics covered:

.Is the Us–Bangladesh relationship still durable in a deal-driven global order?

.What Washington expects from Dhaka and what Bangladesh can realistically deliver

.The “development trilemma”: balancing the US, China, and domestic priorities

.Trade frictions, trust deficits, and the impact of Section 301

.The India variable and shifting regional dynamics

.Bangladesh–Pakistan normalization: concern or overhyped?

.Extremism, security risks, and geopolitical narratives

.How the Iran–US–Israel crisis affects Bangladesh’s economy and public sentiment

.Can Bangladesh achieve true strategic autonomy in a multipolar world? This is not just a discussion, it’s a roadmap to understanding Bangladesh’s place in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. Watch till the end for insights on whether this partnership is built to last or shaped by the uncertainties of global politics.