Bangladesh’s National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman held high-level talks with senior US officials in Washington DC on Saturday, according to a statement from the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s Interim Government.
Rahman met Allison Hooker, Under-Secretary of State for Political Affairs, and Paul Kapur, Assistant Secretary of State. Their discussions focused on Bangladesh’s upcoming general elections, trade and economic ties, the Rohingya refugee crisis, and important regional developments.
National Security Adviser meets key US officials
— Chief Adviser of the Government of Bangladesh (@ChiefAdviserGoB) January 10, 2026
Washington DC, 09 January 2026: National Security Adviser Dr. Khalilur Rahman met with Ms. Allison Hooker, Under-Secretary of State for Political Affairs and Mr. Paul Kapur, Assistant Secretary of State at the State Department in… pic.twitter.com/PAslwQt1FP
US Backs Bangladesh’s Democratic Process
During his meeting with Allison Hooker, Rahman briefed her about preparations for Bangladesh’s national elections. He thanked the United States for its support to the interim government, including its help with the election process.
Hooker responded that the United States continues to strongly support Bangladesh’s move toward democracy. She said Washington was looking forward to a free and fair election in February.
Trade, Visas and Business Travel Discussed
Rahman highlighted the possibility of stronger trade ties between the two countries, especially after Bangladesh significantly increased imports of American farm products.
He also asked the US to make it easier for Bangladeshi businesspeople to travel to the US. In particular, he requested relief from the recently introduced visa bond requirement and asked that short-term B1 business visas be exempted from the bond.
Hooker acknowledged the issue and said the US would consider it positively. She added that if the number of tourists overstaying visas drops in the future, Washington may review the bond system. She also praised Bangladesh for helping return undocumented Bangladeshi citizens from the US.
US Praises Bangladesh for Hosting Rohingya Refugees
Rahman thanked the US for its continued support to Rohingya refugees living in Bangladesh. He noted that the US is the largest donor for the Rohingya crisis and requested continued financial and humanitarian help.
Hooker thanked Bangladesh for carrying the heavy responsibility of hosting so many refugees. She stressed the need for international burden-sharing and a long-term solution to the crisis. She also asked Bangladesh to expand livelihood opportunities for Rohingyas while they remain in the country.
Bangladesh Seeks US Investment and Gaza Role
Rahman requested access for Bangladeshi companies to financing from the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). He also sought support for Bangladesh’s semiconductor industry. Hooker said the US would consider both proposals.
Rahman also said Bangladesh was willing, in principle, to be part of an international stabilization force in Gaza. Hooker replied that the US is ready to work with Bangladesh on this issue.
Separate Talks With Assistant Secretary Paul Kapur
In another meeting, Rahman and Paul Kapur discussed Bangladesh’s elections, bilateral relations, the Rohingya issue, visa bonds, trade, investment, and regional matters.
Rahman Attends Swearing-In of New US Ambassador
Rahman was also invited to the swearing-in ceremony of Brent Christensen, the newly appointed US Ambassador to Bangladesh. The oath was administered by Deputy Secretary of State Michael J. Rigas.
The event was attended by Bangladesh’s ambassador to the US, embassy officials, senior US government and military officials, former US ambassadors to Bangladesh, and American business leaders.
Rigas reaffirmed US support for Bangladesh’s democratic journey. 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 new elected government and I can do together to advance the US-Bangladesh relations."
Senior Bangladeshi embassy officials accompanied Rahman throughout the visit.