Bangladesh, US Discuss Elections, Trade, Rohingya Crisis During Washington Meetings
Bangladesh’s National Security Adviser Dr. Khalilur Rahman held high-level meetings with senior U.S. officials at the State Department in Washington D.C., focusing on the upcoming general elections, bilateral trade, the Rohingya crisis, and regional security issues.
Dr. Khalilur met separately with Under-Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker and Assistant Secretary of State Paul Kapur. During the discussions with Hooker, he briefed U.S. officials on preparations for Bangladesh’s February elections and thanked Washington for its continued support to the interim government, including assistance in facilitating a transparent electoral process. Hooker reaffirmed U.S. commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s democratic transition and expressed hope for free and fair elections.
Amid ongoing efforts to stabilise Gaza following months of conflict, Khalilur expressed Bangladesh’s willingness, in principle, to contribute to a proposed international stabilisation force (ISF) for the territory. Hooker welcomed the proposal, noting that the United States looks forward to working closely with Bangladesh on the initiative. The ISF was endorsed by the UN Security Council in November last year as part of a U.S.-sponsored resolution to implement a ceasefire and provide security in Gaza.
Bilateral trade and investment issues were also discussed, including Bangladesh’s growing imports of U.S. agricultural products. Khalilur requested easing travel for Bangladeshi businesspeople under the recently imposed visa bond and exemption of short-term B1 business visas from this requirement. Hooker acknowledged the request and said Washington would consider measures if overstays by tourists decrease.
The adviser also thanked the U.S. for its support to Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and sought sustained assistance. Hooker highlighted the need for wider international burden-sharing and encouraged Bangladesh to expand livelihood opportunities for the displaced population.
Dr. Khalilur further requested U.S. consideration for Development Finance Corporation (DFC) financing to support Bangladesh’s private sector, including semiconductor development. Hooker assured that these proposals would be reviewed.
In addition, Khalilur attended the swearing-in ceremony of Brent Christensen as the new U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh at the State Department, alongside senior officials, former ambassadors, and business leaders. Christensen expressed his commitment to strengthening U.S.-Bangladesh relations.
