Last Updated on January 11, 2026 11:07 pm by INDIAN AWAAZ
Zakir Hossain from Dhaka
Bangladesh’s National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman held separate meetings with senior US officials in Washington DC, focusing on Bangladesh’s upcoming elections, bilateral trade, the Rohingya refugee crisis and regional developments.
Khalilur met Under-Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker and Assistant Secretary of State Paul Kapur at the US State Department. He briefed Hooker on preparations for the general elections and thanked Washington for its support to the interim government, including assistance with the electoral process. Hooker reiterated strong US backing for Bangladesh’s democratic transition and said Washington looked forward to free and fair elections expected in February.
Amid discussions on Gaza, Khalilur expressed Bangladesh’s interest, in principle, in joining a proposed international stabilisation force, an idea backed by a US-sponsored UN Security Council resolution adopted last November. Hooker said the US was willing to work with Bangladesh on the matter.
The adviser also highlighted increased imports of US agricultural products, sought easing of travel restrictions for Bangladeshi businesspeople, and requested exemption of short-term B1 visas from the recently imposed visa bond. Hooker said the US would positively consider the request and may review the bond if tourist overstays decline. She also appreciated Bangladesh’s cooperation in repatriating undocumented nationals.
On the Rohingya issue, Khalilur thanked the US, the largest donor, for continued support, while Hooker praised Bangladesh for hosting refugees and urged broader international burden-sharing and expanded livelihood opportunities for Rohingyas.
Khalilur also sought Development Finance Corporation financing for Bangladesh’s private sector, including semiconductor development, which Hooker said would be considered. He later attended the swearing-in of Brent Christensen as the new US ambassador to Bangladesh, where US officials reaffirmed support for Bangladesh’s democratic transition.