Bangladesh requests US to ease business travel after visa bond move

National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman requested Allison Hooker, US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, to ease travel for Bangladeshi businesspeople to the United States in the context of the recent visa bond move, as he met her at the State Department in Washington DC, yesterday (9 January).

Dr Khalilur Rahman also requested, if possible, to exempt B1 short-term business visas for Bangladeshi businesspeople from the visa bond, according to a press release from the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing.

In response, Hooker acknowledged the matter and assured that the US government would positively consider the request.

She also indicated that if tourist overstays decline substantially in the future, the US might review the bond requirements that have been put in place.

Hooker also expressed deep appreciation for Bangladesh’s cooperation in the return of undocumented Bangladeshis.

During the meeting, they also discussed the upcoming elections in Bangladesh, economic and trade relations, the Rohingya issue and regional matters.

At the meeting, Dr Rahman briefed Hooker on the preparations and arrangements for the upcoming general elections and expressed appreciation for US support for the interim government during its tenure, including support for the elections.

Hooker responded that the US continues its strong support for democratic transition in Bangladesh and looks forward to free and fair elections in February.

Dr Rahman underscored the prospects of increased trade between the two countries following a substantial rise in Bangladeshi imports of American farm products.

He also expressed sincere thanks to the US for its continued support for the displaced Rohingya population sheltered in Bangladesh.

Recognising that the US is the largest donor for the Rohingyas, he requested the continuation of US support and assistance.

Hooker thanked Bangladesh for continuing to bear a substantial burden by hosting the Rohingyas.

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 remain in the country.

Dr Rahman requested the US to consider granting access to Development Finance Corporation (DFC) financing for the Bangladeshi private sector, as well as access to financing for semiconductor development in Bangladesh.

Under Secretary Hooker assured US consideration of these proposals.

Dr Rahman also expressed Bangladesh’s interest in principle in being part of an international stabilisation force that would be deployed in Gaza.

Hooker said the US is willing to work with Bangladesh on this important matter.

In a separate meeting with Assistant Secretary of State Paul Kapur, Dr Rahman discussed issues of mutual interest, including the forthcoming election in Bangladesh, US-Bangladesh bilateral relations, the Rohingya crisis, the US visa bond, trade and investment, and other regional issues.

As a special invitee, Dr Rahman also attended the swearing-in ceremony of Brent Christensen, the newly appointed US ambassador to Bangladesh, held at the State Department.

Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Michael J Rigas administered the oath.

The ceremony was attended by the Bangladesh ambassador to the US, embassy officials, senior State Department and military officials, former US ambassadors to Bangladesh, and US business leaders.

In his remarks, the deputy secretary of state reiterated the US commitment to continue supporting Bangladesh in its journey towards democratic transition.

Ambassador Christensen said, “The US supports Bangladesh in its journey towards a bright democratic future. I am excited to see the results and look forward to what the newly elected government and I can do together to advance US-Bangladesh relations.”

Senior embassy officials accompanied Dr Rahman at all the events.