Washington, DC [US], January 10 (ANI): Bangladesh’s National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman met with US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker and Assistant Secretary of State Paul Kapur at the State Department in Washington on Saturday, according to a statement issued by the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government.
During the meetings, the two sides discussed preparations for the upcoming general elections in Bangladesh, as well as economic and trade relations, the Rohingya issue, and broader regional matters.
In his meeting with Under Secretary Hooker, Rahman briefed her on arrangements for the forthcoming elections and expressed appreciation for US support to the interim government, including assistance related to the electoral process. Hooker said the United States continues to strongly support Bangladesh’s democratic transition and looks forward to free and fair elections scheduled for February, the statement said.
Rahman highlighted prospects for increased bilateral trade, noting the rise in Bangladeshi imports of American agricultural products. He requested that the US ease travel for Bangladeshi businesspeople in light of the recent visa bond requirement and, if possible, exempt short-term B1 business visas from the bond. Hooker acknowledged the request and said the US government would consider the matter positively. She added that if tourist overstays decline substantially in the future, the bond requirements could be reviewed.
Hooker expressed appreciation for Bangladesh’s cooperation in facilitating the return of undocumented Bangladeshi nationals from the United States. Rahman, in turn, thanked the US for its continued support for displaced Rohingya populations sheltered in Bangladesh and requested the continuation of assistance, noting that the United States is the largest donor for Rohingya aid.
Hooker thanked Bangladesh for bearing a significant burden by hosting Rohingya refugees and underscored the need for broader burden-sharing and a durable solution to the crisis. She also encouraged Bangladesh to expand livelihood opportunities for the Rohingyas while they remain in the country.
Rahman further requested US consideration for granting access to Development Finance Corporation financing for Bangladesh’s private sector, as well as support for semiconductor development in the country. Hooker assured that the proposals would be considered. Rahman also conveyed Bangladesh’s in-principle interest in being part of an international stabilization force that may be deployed in Gaza, to which Hooker said the US is willing to work with Bangladesh on the issue.
In a separate meeting with Assistant Secretary Kapur, Rahman discussed matters of mutual interest, including the upcoming elections, US-Bangladesh bilateral relations, the Rohingya crisis, visa bond requirements, trade and investment, and other regional issues.
As a special invitee, Rahman also 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 US business leaders.
In his remarks, the Deputy Secretary of State reiterated US commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s journey toward democratic transition. Ambassador Christensen said the United States supports Bangladesh’s pursuit of a bright democratic future and expressed optimism about working with the newly elected government to advance US-Bangladesh relations.
Senior embassy officials accompanied Rahman at all engagements, the statement said. (ANI)
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