Bangladesh has urged the United States to relax restrictions on business travel following Washington’s recent decision to impose a visa bond requirement

National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman has urged the United States to ease travel restrictions for Bangladeshi businesspeople in light of Washington’s recent visa bond requirement, during a meeting with Allison Hooker, US Under-Secretary of State for Political Affairs, at the State Department in Washington DC on Friday.

Dr Rahman specifically requested an exemption for Bangladeshi businesspeople holding short-term B1 visas from the bond requirement, according to a press release from the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing.

In response, Hooker acknowledged the issue and assured that the US government would give it positive consideration. She noted that if tourist overstays decline significantly in the future, Washington may review the visa bond measures currently in place.

Hooker also expressed deep appreciation for Bangladesh’s cooperation in the return of undocumented Bangladeshi nationals.

The two sides discussed a range of issues, including Bangladesh’s upcoming general election, economic and trade relations, the Rohingya crisis, and regional developments. Dr Rahman briefed Hooker on election preparations and thanked the United States for its support for the interim government, including assistance related to the polls.

Hooker reiterated strong US support for Bangladesh’s democratic transition and said Washington looks forward to free and fair elections in February.

Dr Rahman highlighted the potential for expanded bilateral trade, noting Bangladesh’s significantly increased imports of US agricultural products. He also conveyed Bangladesh’s gratitude for continued US support to Rohingya refugees, requesting sustained assistance given that the US remains the largest donor for the displaced population.

Hooker thanked Bangladesh for bearing the burden of hosting the Rohingyas and stressed the importance of broader international burden-sharing and finding a durable solution to the crisis. She also encouraged Bangladesh to expand livelihood opportunities for the refugees during their stay.

Additionally, Dr Rahman requested US consideration of access to Development Finance Corporation (DFC) financing for Bangladesh’s private sector, as well as support for semiconductor development. Hooker assured that these proposals would be considered.

Dr Rahman also expressed Bangladesh’s interest, in principle, in participating in an international stabilization force for Gaza. Hooker said the US is willing to work with Bangladesh on the matter.

In a separate meeting with Assistant Secretary of State Paul Kapur, Dr Rahman discussed mutual concerns including the upcoming election, bilateral relations, the Rohingya issue, the US visa bond, trade and investment, and regional affairs.

As a special invitee, Dr Rahman attended the swearing-in ceremony of Brent Christensen as the newly appointed US Ambassador to Bangladesh at the State Department. Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Michael J Rigas administered the oath, with the ceremony attended by senior US and Bangladeshi officials, former ambassadors, military officials, and US business leaders.

In his remarks, Rigas reaffirmed US commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s democratic transition. Ambassador Christensen said the United States supports Bangladesh’s pursuit of a strong democratic future and expressed optimism about working with the next elected government to further strengthen bilateral relations.

Senior embassy officials accompanied Dr Rahman at all events.