FM Khalilur emphasises ‘Bangladesh First’ policy during meeting with US Assistant Secretary Paul

Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman emphasised the “Bangladesh First” policy of the current government under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. 

He further highlighted Bangladesh’s approach to maintaining robust relations with regional and global partners to promote national interests and shared prosperity during a meeting with the US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Paul Kapur.

The meeting took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today (4 March), during the US assistant secretary’s two-day visit to Dhaka, reads a press release.

During the discussion, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations, including economic engagements, based on mutual respect and shared interests.

Assistant Secretary Paul Kapur expressed happiness at the peaceful, free and festive general election in Bangladesh and felicitated the new government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on the assumption of its responsibilities. He also mentioned the congratulatory letter of US President Donald Trump addressed to Prime Minister Tarique Rahamn, and expressed the confidence that the ties between two countries will grow stronger in the coming days, adds the press release.

Paul Kapur also underscored the importance of implementing the provisions of the agreement on Reciprocal Trade to foster greater bilateral trade and investment. The Foreign Minister reiterated the Government’s commitment to policy continuity, particularly in the economic domain.

The recent escalation in the Middle East came up during the exchange. The foreign minister stressed the need for exercising restraint by all parties and urged early resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomatic means in order to minimise loss of life, prevent further destabilisation in the region and beyond.

The two sides also discussed the Rohingya issue. The foreign minister thanked the United States for its continued humanitarian support for the Rohingyas and sought sustained international support for a durable solution to the crisis.

Both sides expressed optimism that regular high-level engagements and institutional dialogues would continue to deepen Bangladesh–US relations in the years ahead. Prior to this meeting, Paul Kapur had a brief meeting with State Minister Shama Obaed Islam.

US Assistant Secretary S Paul Kapur arrived in Dhaka yesterday on a two-day visit to ‘strengthen strategic ties’ between Bangladesh and the United States and explore opportunities in diverse areas.