Bangladesh, US reaffirm stronger ties, discuss Rohingya repatriation as Shama visits Washington

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam held several meetings in Washington yesterday (18 May), during which Bangladesh and the United States reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening ties across the board and also discussed the sustainable repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar.

During her visit, Shama met US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs S Paul Kapur at the State Department, where both sides expressed satisfaction at the upward trajectory of Bangladesh-US relations, according to a press release.

They reaffirmed commitment to deepening ties across trade, energy, defence and the Indo-Pacific, underscoring the importance of regular high-level dialogue to sustain momentum in the relationship. 

The Rohingya crisis featured prominently across multiple engagements. 

In a separate meeting with Andrew Veprek, assistant secretary of state for population, refugees and migration, the state minister thanked the US for its continued support of the Rohingya cause. 

Both sides agreed to work together toward the sustainable and safe return of the Rohingyas to Myanmar, says the press release.

Later in the day, Shama addressed a roundtable at the Atlantic Council, a Washington-based think tank, where she highlighted Bangladesh’s democratic transition, economic openness and commitment to balanced and pragmatic foreign policy. 

In her remarks, she underscored the growing Bangladesh–US partnership in trade, energy, technology and education, while reaffirming Bangladesh’s vision for regional stability and constructive engagement with its neighbours. 

Shama also held a bilateral meeting with Atlantic Council Executive Vice President Jenna Ben-Yehuda, reiterating Dhaka’s call for sustained international attention on the Rohingya crisis.

She called for greater engagement by leading US policy institutions to foster a balanced, informed and objective understanding of Bangladesh globally.

At the meeting, Shama reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to constitutional democracy, inclusive development, women’s empowerment, minority rights and regional stability.

Earlier, the state minister met Daniel Twining, president of the International Republican Institute, commending the organisation’s election observation delegation for its role in promoting transparent and credible polls in Bangladesh. 

She highlighted the BNP government’s commitment to inclusive democracy, youth empowerment, women’s political participation and protection of religious minorities. 

Bangladesh’s embassy officials and counterparts from the State Department, IRI and the Atlantic Council assisted in all the events.