National Security Adviser holds meetings with senior US officials

National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman met Allison Hooker, US Under-Secretary of State for Political Affairs, and Paul Kapur, Assistant Secretary of State, at the State Department in Washington, DC, on Saturday.

The discussions focused on Bangladesh’s upcoming general election, bilateral economic and trade relations, the Rohingya crisis, and key regional issues.

During his meeting with Under-Secretary Hooker, Dr Rahman briefed her on the preparations and arrangements for the forthcoming election and expressed appreciation for US support to the interim government, including its assistance in conducting the polls. Hooker reaffirmed Washington’s strong support for Bangladesh’s democratic transition and said the United States looks forward to a free and fair election in February.

Dr Rahman highlighted the potential for expanding bilateral trade, particularly in light of Bangladesh’s increased imports of US agricultural products. He also requested easing travel restrictions for Bangladeshi businesspeople following the introduction of a visa bond, and sought exemption of short-term B1 business visas from the requirement. Hooker acknowledged the concerns and said the US government would give the matter positive consideration. She added that a significant decline in tourist overstays could lead to a review of the bond requirement in the future. Hooker also expressed appreciation for Bangladesh’s cooperation in facilitating the return of undocumented Bangladeshi nationals.

The National Security Adviser thanked the United States for its continued support to Rohingya refugees sheltered in Bangladesh and requested sustained assistance, noting that the US remains the largest donor for the displaced population. Hooker commended Bangladesh for bearing the heavy responsibility of hosting Rohingya refugees and stressed the need for broader international burden-sharing and a durable solution to the crisis. She also urged Bangladesh to expand livelihood opportunities for Rohingyas during their stay in the country.

Dr 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. Under-Secretary Hooker assured that these proposals would be considered.

He also conveyed Bangladesh’s in-principle interest in joining an international stabilization force for Gaza. Hooker said the United States is willing to work with Bangladesh on the issue.

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

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

In his remarks, Deputy Secretary Rigas reaffirmed US commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s democratic transition. Ambassador Christensen said the United States supports Bangladesh’s journey toward a bright democratic future and expressed optimism about working with the newly elected government to further strengthen US-Bangladesh relations.

Senior officials from the Bangladesh Embassy accompanied Dr Rahman at all events.