**Bangladesh faces strategic choice in US trade deal**

A new trade agreement between Bangladesh and the United States, called the ART, appears to be a simple market-access deal. But its deeper clauses carry geopolitical weight. For Bangladesh, this presents a direct challenge. The country has long relied on a balancing strategy, maintaining good relations with both major powers. The ART now forces Dhaka to pick a side. The deal tests whether Bangladesh can keep its strategic autonomy while deepening ties with Washington. Officials in Dhaka must decide if the economic benefits outweigh the political risks.