Washington DC, Jan 10 (V7N)- National Security Advisor Dr. Khalilur Rahman, currently on an official visit to the United States, held high-level meetings with senior US officials to discuss Bangladesh’s upcoming national elections, bilateral trade and economic relations, the Rohingya crisis, and regional security issues.

On Friday, Dr. Rahman met Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Ms. Alison Hooker and Assistant Secretary of State Mr. Paul Kapoor in Washington DC. During the meeting with the Under Secretary, Dr. Rahman briefed her on the preparations and management of Bangladesh’s forthcoming general elections and expressed gratitude for continued US support, particularly in the electoral process during the tenure of the interim government.

Ms. Hooker reaffirmed that the United States strongly supports Bangladesh’s democratic transition and expressed hope for a free, fair, and credible election scheduled for February.

The National Security Advisor also highlighted opportunities to expand bilateral trade by increasing agricultural imports from the United States. He requested easing travel restrictions for Bangladeshi businesspersons, particularly seeking exemption from the visa bond requirement for short-term business visa (B-1) holders.

Responding to the request, Ms. Hooker said the US government would consider the matter positively, adding that visa bond conditions could be reconsidered in the future if tourist overstays significantly decline. She also expressed appreciation for Bangladesh’s cooperation in the repatriation of undocumented Bangladeshi nationals.

Dr. Rahman conveyed Bangladesh’s deep gratitude to the United States for its continued humanitarian support to the Rohingya refugees, noting that the US remains the largest donor to the crisis. He sought sustained assistance and cooperation in addressing the prolonged humanitarian challenge.

Ms. Hooker thanked Bangladesh for bearing the heavy responsibility of hosting the Rohingya population and stressed the importance of burden-sharing and sustainable solutions, including expanding livelihood opportunities for the refugees during their stay in Bangladesh.

The National Security Advisor also requested US consideration for Development Finance Corporation (DFC) financing for the Bangladeshi private sector and potential support for semiconductor development in Bangladesh. The Under Secretary assured that these proposals would be given due consideration.

Dr. Rahman further expressed Bangladesh’s principled interest in participating in an international stabilization force that could be deployed in Gaza. Ms. Hooker said the United States is open to working with Bangladesh on the matter.

In a separate meeting, Dr. Rahman discussed similar issues of mutual interest—including elections, bilateral relations, trade and investment, visa policies, and the Rohingya crisis—with Assistant Secretary of State Mr. Paul Kapoor.

As part of the visit, Dr. Rahman attended the swearing-in ceremony of newly appointed US Ambassador to Bangladesh, Mr. Brent Christensen, at the US Department of State. The oath was administered by Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Mr. Michael J. Rigas, who reiterated continued US support for Bangladesh’s democratic transition.

In his remarks, Ambassador Christensen said, “The United States supports Bangladesh’s journey toward a bright democratic future. I look forward to seeing the election results and working with the newly elected government to further strengthen US-Bangladesh relations.”

The ceremony was attended by the Bangladeshi Ambassador to the United States, senior embassy officials, US State Department and military officials, former US ambassadors to Bangladesh, and American business leaders.

Senior officials from the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington accompanied the National Security Advisor throughout the visit.

END/SMA/AJ