Office of the Historian

A Guide to the United States’ History of Recognition, Diplomatic, and Consular Relations, by Country, since 1776: Bangladesh

Summary

The United States had limited contact with Bangladesh when it was a British colony, but established consular relations there after the formation of Pakistan. On April 4, 1972, the United States recognized Bangladesh.

Modern Flag of Bangladesh

Recognition

U.S. Recognition of Bangladeshi Independence, 1972.

The United States recognized Bangladesh on April 4, 1972, in a press statement from Secretary of State William Rogers. In addition, Herbert Spivack, the principal U.S. officer in Dhaka, delivered a message from President Richard Nixon to Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Mujibur Rahman informing him that the United States government wished to establish diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level. Mujibur Rahman sent a letter to Nixon on April 9 in which he acknowledged the recognition accorded his country. The territory that became the state of Bangladesh previously was the eastern part of Pakistan.

Consular Relations

Establishment of Consular Relations, 1949.

The United States established a consulate in Dhaka (then referred to as “Dacca”) on August 29, 1949, when what is now called “Bangladesh” was the eastern part of Pakistan.

History of Diplomatic Relations

Establishment of Diplomatic Relations and the American Embassy at Dhaka, 1972.

Diplomatic relations and the American Embassy at Dhaka were established on May 18, 1972, with Herbert D. Spivack as Chargé d’Affaires ad interim. The first Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary was Davis Eugene Boster, who presented his credentials on April 13, 1974.

Resources