The US has official relations with the Awami League government. However, these relations have not reached the level of close friendship. On the contrary, these relations have been full of tension at times. On 10 December 2021, the US imposed sanctions on seven officers of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and police, including Benazir Ahmed, on charges of human rights violations. At that time, the government and the Awami League expressed displeasure over this. Even after this, the US has repeatedly pressured Bangladesh on the question of human rights and good governance.
Then the US visa policy centered around the January 7 elections soured relations. Several policy-making level leaders in the Awami League say that the BNP and other opposition parties had agitated against the government and boycotted the elections. According to them, the US visa policy went in favor of the opposition movement. However, an understanding has developed between the government and the Americans in the last few months after the elections.
Four months after the election, in mid-May, US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Donald Lu visited Bangladesh. During his meetings at various levels of government, he conveyed the message that the US was focused on advancing its relationship with Bangladesh. The country wanted to renew and strengthen ties by shedding past bitterness.