Dhaka (Bangladesh), January 10 (ANI): The United States has reiterated its commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s democratic transition and the conduct of free and fair elections, following high-level meetings between Bangladeshi and US officials in Washington, according to an official statement.
Bangladesh’s National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman met Allison Hooker, Under-Secretary of State for Political Affairs, and Paul Kapur, Assistant Secretary of State, at the US State Department on Friday. Discussions focused on Bangladesh’s upcoming elections, economic and trade relations, the Rohingya refugee crisis, and broader regional issues, the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing said on Saturday.
Rahman highlighted the potential for expanded bilateral trade, noting Bangladesh’s significantly increased imports of American agricultural products. He urged the US to ease travel restrictions for Bangladeshi businesspeople in light of the recently introduced visa bond and sought an exemption for B1 short-term business visas.
Hooker acknowledged the request and said the US government would consider it positively. She added that if tourist overstays decline substantially in the future, Washington could review the current bond requirements. She also expressed appreciation for Bangladesh’s cooperation in facilitating the return of undocumented Bangladeshi nationals, the statement said.
Rahman thanked the United States for its continued support to displaced Rohingya populations sheltered in Bangladesh, noting that Washington remains the largest donor to Rohingya humanitarian efforts. He requested the continuation of US assistance.
Hooker, in turn, thanked Bangladesh for bearing a significant burden by hosting Rohingya refugees and stressed the need for broader international burden-sharing and a durable solution to the crisis. She also encouraged Bangladesh to expand livelihood opportunities for Rohingyas during their stay in the country.
During the discussions, Rahman requested US consideration for granting Bangladeshi private sector access to Development Finance Corporation (DFC) financing, as well as support for semiconductor development in Bangladesh. Hooker assured that these proposals would be considered by the US government.
Rahman also conveyed Bangladesh’s principled interest in participating in a potential international stabilization force to be deployed in Gaza. Hooker said the United States was willing to work with Bangladesh on the matter.
In a separate meeting with Assistant Secretary of State Paul Kapur, Rahman discussed issues of mutual interest, including the forthcoming elections in Bangladesh, bilateral relations, the Rohingya crisis, visa bond requirements, trade, investment, and regional developments.
As a special invitee, Rahman attended the swearing-in ceremony of Brent Christensen, the newly appointed US Ambassador to Bangladesh, held at the State Department. Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Michael J. Rigas administered the oath. The ceremony was attended by the Bangladesh Ambassador to the US, embassy officials, senior State Department and military officials, former US ambassadors to Bangladesh, and American business leaders.
In his remarks, Rigas reiterated Washington’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s democratic transition. Ambassador Christensen said, “The US supports Bangladesh in its journey towards a bright democratic future. I am excited to see the results and look forward to what the newly elected government and I can do together to advance US-Bangladesh relations.”
Earlier in December, India’s Ministry of External Affairs reiterated New Delhi’s consistent support for democratic processes in Bangladesh, calling for free, fair, inclusive and participatory elections in the neighbouring country.
Outlining India’s position, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “India stands for strengthening our ties with the people of Bangladesh. We favour peace and stability in Bangladesh and have consistently called for free, fair, inclusive and participatory elections in Bangladesh.” (ANI)
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