For all latest news, follow The Financial Express Google News channel.
Bangladesh has expressed interest in being part of an international stabilisation force proposed for deployment in Gaza during meetings between its national security adviser and senior US officials in Washington.
National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman conveyed the position while meeting Allison Hooker, US under-secretary of state for political affairs, and Paul Kapur, assistant secretary of state, at the US State Department, according to a statement issued by the Chief Adviser’s Office on Saturday.
The meetings covered Bangladesh’s upcoming national election, economic and trade relations, the Rohingya crisis and regional issues, bdnews24.com reports.
During talks with Hooker, Khalilur briefed her on preparations for the general election and thanked the United States for its support to the interim government, particularly during the election process.
Hooker said Washington continues to strongly support Bangladesh’s democratic transition and is looking forward to a free and fair election in February.
Khalilur highlighted prospects for expanding bilateral trade, noting a substantial increase in Bangladesh’s imports of US agricultural products.
He also raised concerns over difficulties faced by Bangladeshi businesspeople travelling to the United States due to the recent visa bond requirement, requesting exemption of short-term B1 business visas from the bond.
Hooker acknowledged the issue, saying the US government would consider the matter positively.
She added that the bond requirement could be reviewed in the future if tourist overstays decline significantly.
She also expressed appreciation for Bangladesh’s cooperation in accepting the return of undocumented Bangladeshis.
On the Rohingya issue, Khalilur thanked the United States for its continued support for the displaced population sheltered in Bangladesh, noting that Washington is the largest donor.
He sought continuation of US assistance.
Hooker thanked Bangladesh for bearing a heavy burden by hosting a large number of Rohingya refugees and stressed the need for broader international burden-sharing.
She also urged the expansion of livelihood opportunities for the Rohingyas while they remain in Bangladesh.
The national security advisor also requested access for Bangladesh’s private sector to financing from the US Development Finance Corporation and support for semiconductor development in the country.
Hooker assured US consideration of the proposals.
Regarding Gaza, Khalilur said Bangladesh was interested in principle in joining a proposed international stabilisation force.
Hooker responded that the United States was willing to work with Bangladesh on the issue.
In a separate meeting with Assistant Secretary Kapur, Khalilur discussed the forthcoming election, bilateral relations, the Rohingya crisis, the visa bond issue, trade, investment and other matters of mutual interest.
As a special invitee, Khalilur also attended the swearing-in ceremony of Brent Christensen, the newly appointed US ambassador to Bangladesh, at the State Department. The oath was administered by Michael J Rigas, deputy secretary of state for management and resources.
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.
Rigas reiterated US commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s democratic transition.
Ambassador Christensen said the United States supports Bangladesh’s journey towards a democratic future and looks forward to working with the next elected government to advance bilateral relations.