US wants execution of trade deal, illegal expats’ return

Implementation of a recently signed trade agreement, repatriation of undocumented Bangladeshi migrants from the United States and the escalating crisis in the Middle East figured high at high-level talks held Wednesday in Dhaka between Bangladesh and America.

Visiting US assistant secretary of state for south and central Asian affairs Paul Kapur met Bangladesh's Foreign Minister, Khalilur Rahman, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with his agenda aimed at consolidating bilateral ties under the country's new government.

According to officials, Kapur emphasised implementing the provisions of the agreement on reciprocal trade and tariffs in order to foster greater bilateral trade and investment.

The much-debated deal, finalised last year following months of negotiations, has drawn scrutiny at home over tariff levels and broader economic implications of a tradeoff inlaid in its provisos.

Rahman reiterated government commitment to policy continuity, particularly in the economic sphere, signalling that Dhaka would proceed with implementation despite domestic debate. Both sides reaffirmed their intention to deepen economic engagement on the basis of mutual respect and shared interests.

Highlighting the foreign-policy direction of the new administration, Rahman pointed to the "Bangladesh First" approach under the rule of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. He said the government remained committed to maintaining "balanced and constructive relations with regional and global partners to advance national interests and shared prosperity".

Kapur congratulated the government installed following what he described as a peaceful and festive general election. He also referred to a congratulatory message sent by US President Donald Trump to the prime minister, expressing confidence that bilateral ties would grow stronger in the years to come.

Migration issues featured prominently in discussions. Briefing reporters after the meeting, Rahman said Bangladesh agreed to take back its nationals residing in the US without legal documentation.

"We have discussed ensuring that the process is simplified and that they can return with dignity," he said. He added that Bangladesh's ministry of home affairs had previously engaged with the US ambassador on the matter and was working to streamline procedures.

The worsening conflict in the Middle East also came up during the exchange. Rahman mentioned two Bangladeshi nationals had been killed and seven others injured in recent violence, reportedly stemming from Iran attacks and reprisals.

He warns that if the conflict prolongs and spreads further, casualties could rise and the economic repercussions could prove severe for countries like Bangladesh, which are vulnerable to external shocks.

mirmostafiz@yahoo.com