National Security Adviser (NSA) Dr Khalilur Rahman on Thursday held separate meetings with senior US officials at the State Department, focusing on Bangladesh’s upcoming general election, bilateral trade and investment, the Rohingya crisis and key regional issues.

Dr Rahman met Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker and Assistant Secretary of State Paul Kapur during his visit to Washington DC.

In his meeting with Under Secretary Hooker, the NSA briefed her on preparations for the forthcoming general election and thanked the United States for its support to the interim government, including assistance related to the polls. Hooker reiterated continued US support for Bangladesh’s democratic transition and said Washington looks forward to a free and fair election in February.

Dr Rahman highlighted prospects for expanding bilateral trade, particularly following Bangladesh’s increased imports of US agricultural products. He requested easing travel for Bangladeshi businesspeople to the US in light of the recent visa bond requirement and sought exemption of short-term B1 business visas from the bond.

Hooker said the US government would positively consider the request and noted that the bond requirement could be reviewed in future if tourist overstays decline significantly. She also expressed appreciation for Bangladesh’s cooperation in the return of undocumented Bangladeshi nationals.

The NSA thanked the US for its continued support to displaced Rohingyas sheltered in Bangladesh, noting that Washington is the largest donor to the humanitarian response, and sought continuation of assistance.

Hooker acknowledged Bangladesh’s burden in hosting the refugees 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 Rohingyas while they remain in the country.

Dr Rahman further requested access to US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) financing for Bangladesh’s private sector and potential financing support for semiconductor development. Hooker assured US consideration of the proposals.

The NSA also conveyed Bangladesh’s interest, in principle, in joining an international stabilisation force to be deployed in Gaza. Hooker said the US is willing to work with Bangladesh on the matter.

In a separate meeting with Assistant Secretary of State Paul Kapur, Dr Rahman discussed the upcoming election, bilateral relations, the Rohingya issue, the US visa bond, trade and investment, and other regional concerns.

As a special invitee, Dr Rahman also attended the swearing-in ceremony of Brent Christensen as the new US Ambassador to Bangladesh at the State Department. Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Michael J Rigas administered the oath.

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

In his remarks, Deputy Secretary Rigas reiterated Washington’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s democratic transition. Ambassador Christensen said the US supports Bangladesh “in its journey towards a bright democratic future” and expressed eagerness to work with the newly elected government to advance bilateral relations.

Senior officials of the Bangladesh Embassy accompanied the NSA at all engagements.