Bangladesh has formally requested the United States to ease travel restrictions for Bangladeshi businesspeople following Washington’s recent decision to introduce visa bonds, raising concerns about the impact on trade and commercial engagement.
The request was made by Bangladesh’s National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman during a meeting with Allison Hooker, the US Under-Secretary of State for Political Affairs, at the State Department on Friday.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing, Dr Khalilur Rahman urged the US administration to facilitate smoother travel for Bangladeshi entrepreneurs and, if possible, to exempt short-term B1 business visas from the newly introduced visa bond requirement.
In response, Allison Hooker acknowledged the concerns and said the US government would give positive consideration to the proposal. She indicated that the visa bond policy could be reviewed in the future if instances of visa overstay by Bangladeshi visitors decline substantially.
Hooker also expressed appreciation for Bangladesh’s cooperation in accepting the return of undocumented Bangladeshi nationals from the United States.
The discussions covered a wide range of bilateral and regional issues, including Bangladesh’s upcoming general election, trade and economic relations, the Rohingya refugee crisis and broader regional developments.
During the meeting, Dr Khalilur Rahman briefed the US official on preparations for the forthcoming election and thanked Washington for its support for Bangladesh’s interim government, including assistance related to the electoral process. Hooker reaffirmed that the United States continues to strongly support Bangladesh’s democratic transition and said Washington was looking forward to a free and fair election expected in February.
On economic ties, Dr Khalilur Rahman highlighted the potential for expanding bilateral trade, particularly following a substantial increase in Bangladesh’s imports of American agricultural products. He also requested greater access for Bangladesh’s private sector to financing from the US International Development Finance Corporation, as well as support for potential semiconductor development initiatives in the country.
Hooker said the United States would consider the proposals and expressed willingness to explore further cooperation in these areas.
The Rohingya refugee crisis featured prominently in the talks. Dr Khalilur Rahman expressed gratitude to the United States for being the largest donor supporting displaced Rohingya populations in Bangladesh and urged Washington to continue its assistance.
Hooker thanked Bangladesh for continuing to shoulder a significant humanitarian burden and stressed the need for broader international burden-sharing and a durable solution to the crisis. She also encouraged Bangladesh to expand livelihood opportunities for Rohingya refugees while they remain in the country.
Dr Khalilur Rahman also conveyed Bangladesh’s interest, in principle, in joining a potential international stabilisation force that could be deployed in Gaza. Hooker said the United States was open to working with Bangladesh on the matter.
In a separate meeting with Paul Kapur, Assistant Secretary of State, Dr Khalilur Rahman discussed issues of mutual interest, including bilateral relations, trade and investment, the visa bond policy, the Rohingya crisis, the upcoming election and regional security.
During his visit, Dr Khalilur Rahman attended the swearing-in ceremony of Brent Christensen as the newly appointed US Ambassador to Bangladesh at the State Department. The oath was administered by Michael J Rigas, the Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources.
The ceremony was attended by Bangladesh’s ambassador to the United States, senior State Department and military officials, former US ambassadors to Bangladesh and representatives of the US business community.
In his remarks, Rigas reiterated Washington’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s democratic transition. Ambassador Christensen said the United States supports Bangladesh’s journey towards a democratic future and expressed optimism about working with the country’s next elected government to strengthen bilateral relations.
Senior officials from the Bangladesh embassy accompanied Dr Khalilur Rahman throughout the visit.
