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Bangladesh and the United States have discussed the upcoming elections in Bangladesh, economic and trade relations, the Rohingya issue and regional matters.
National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman met Allison Hooker, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, and Paul Kapur, Assistant Secretary of State, at the State Department in Washington DC and discussed the issues, according to a UNB reprot Saturday.
In the meeting with the Under Secretary, Dr Rahman briefed Ms Hooker about the preparations and arrangements for the upcoming general elections and expressed appreciation for the support of the US to the interim government during its tenure, including for the elections, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing on Saturday.
Hooker responded that the US continues its strong support for the democratic transition in Bangladesh and looks forward to free and fair elections in February.
Dr Rahman underscored the prospects of increased trade between the two countries following substantially enhanced Bangladeshi imports of American farm products.
He requested Hooker to ease travel for Bangladeshi businesspeople to the US in the context of the recent visa bond and, if possible, to exempt B1 short-term business visas for Bangladeshi businessmen from the visa bond.
Hooker recognised the matter and assured that the US government would positively consider the step.
She also indicated that if overstays by tourists decline substantially in future, the US might review the bond requirements that have been put in place.
She also expressed deep appreciation for Bangladesh’s cooperation in the return of undocumented Bangladeshis.
Dr Rahman expressed sincere thanks to the US for its continued support for the displaced Rohingya population sheltered in Bangladesh.
Recognising that the US is the largest donor for Rohingyas, he requested the continuation of US support and assistance for them.
Hooker thanked Bangladesh for continuing to shoulder a substantial burden by hosting Rohingya refugees.
She underscored the need for broad-based burden sharing and finding a solution to the crisis.
She also requested Bangladesh to expand livelihood options for the Rohingyas as long as they remain in Bangladesh.
NSA Dr Rahman requested the US side to consider granting access to DFC financing for the Bangladeshi private sector and also access to financing for semiconductor development in Bangladesh.
Under Secretary Hooker assured US consideration of these proposals.
Dr Rahman also expressed Bangladesh’s interest in principle in being part of the international stabilisation force that would be deployed in Gaza. Under Secretary Hooker said that the US is willing to work together with Bangladesh on this important matter.
In a separate meeting with Assistant Secretary of State Paul Kapur, NSA Dr Rahman discussed issues of mutual interest, including the forthcoming election in Bangladesh, US-Bangladesh bilateral relations, the Rohingya crisis, the US visa bond, trade and investment, and other regional issues.
As a special invitee, NSA Dr 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 the US commitment to continue supporting Bangladesh in its journey to 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.”
In all the events, senior embassy officials accompanied NSA Dr Rahman.