National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman on Friday met Allison Hooker, US Under-Secretary of State for Political Affairs at the State Department in Hooker also expressed deep appreciation for the cooperation of Bangladesh to the return of undocumented Bangladeshis.
Hooker also expressed deep appreciation for the cooperation of Bangladesh to the return of undocumented Bangladeshis. Washington DC. He requested to ease travel of Bangladeshi businessmen to US in the context of the recent visa bond move at that time.
Dr Khalilur Rahman requested also to exempt B1 short term business visa if possible for Bangladeshi businessmen from the visa bond, according to a press release of the Chief Adviser's Press Wing. If the overstay by the tourists declines substantially in future, the US might review the bond requirements that have been put in place, she indicated also.
Hooker expressed deep appreciation for the cooperation of Bangladesh to the return of undocumented Bangladeshis. They also discussed upcoming elections in Bangladesh, economic and trade relations, Rohingya issue, and regional matters during the meetings.
At that time, Dr Rahman briefed Hooker for the support of the US to the interim government about the preparations and arrangements for the upcoming general elections and expressed appreciation during its tenure, including for the elections.
Hooker responded that the US continues its strong support for the democratic transition in Bangladesh and looks forward to a free and fair elections in February. Dr Rahman underscored the prospects of increased trade between the two countries following substantially enhanced Bangladeshi import of American farm products.
He expressed sincere thanks to the US for its continued support to the displaced Rohingya population sheltered in Bangladesh. Recognizing the US is the largest donor for Rohingyas, he requested continuation of US support and assistance for them.
For continuing to carry substantial burden by hosting Rohingyas Hooker thanked Bangladesh.
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 are in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh requested the US side to consider granting access to DFC financing for Bangladeshi private sector and also access to financing for semi-conductor development in Bangladesh.
Under-Secretary Hooker assured US consideration of these proposals.
Dr Rahman also expressed Bangladesh's interest in principle to be part of the international stabilization force that would be deployed in Gaza.
Hooker said that the US is willing to work together with Bangladesh on this important matter.
NSA Dr Rahman In a separate meeting with Assistant Secretary of State Paul Kapur, discussed issues of mutual interest including the forthcoming election in Bangladesh, US-Bangladesh bilateral relations, Rohingya crisis, 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 new appointed US Ambassador to Bangladesh held in the State Department. Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, Michael J Rigas administered the oath.
The ceremony was attended by Bangladesh Ambassador to US, Embassy officials, senior State Department and Military officials, former US ambassadors to Bangladesh, and US business leaders.
Deputy Secretary of State reiterated US commitment to continue to support Bangladesh in its journey to democratic transition In his remarks.
“The U.S supports Bangladesh in its journey towards a bright democratic future. I am excited to see the results and look forward to what the new elected government and I can do together to advance the U.S. -Bangladesh relations.” Ambassador Christensen said.
In all the events, senior embassy officials accompanied Dr Rahman.
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