National Security Adviser and High Representative for the Rohingya issue Dr Khalilur Rahman held a series of meetings with senior US officials in Washington DC on Friday, focusing on bilateral cooperation, trade, regional security, and the Rohingya crisis.

Bangladesh’s newly appointed Ambassador to the US, Tareq M. Ariful Islam, accompanied him during the meetings.

In his meeting with US Under Secretary for Political Affairs Allison Hooker, Dr Rahman was assured of Washington’s “strong support” for the leadership of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and the steps being taken by the Interim Government ahead of the February elections.

Hooker also reiterated US backing for Bangladesh’s efforts to resolve the Rohingya crisis.

Dr Rahman, in turn, expressed gratitude for Washington’s recent pledge of $60 million in humanitarian aid announced at the UN International Conference on the Rohingyas.

The Adviser also held separate talks with Nicole Chulick, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, and Andrew Herrup, Deputy Assistant Secretary, where a broad range of bilateral and regional issues came under discussion.

On the economic front, Dr Rahman met with Brendan Lynch, Assistant US Trade Representative, to review follow-up actions from the recently concluded tariff negotiations.

He reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to narrowing the trade gap with the US and urged Washington to consider further tariff reductions as the gap continues to shrink.

Lynch assured Dhaka of “full consideration” of the matter as the tariff agreement is implemented.