US will consider exempting Bangladesh from business visa bond: Allison Hooker

During a meeting with National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman, Under-Secretary of State for Political Affairs of the US government Allison Hooker has assured that his government will consider exempting Bangladesh from B1 visa bond.

At the meeting, Allison also indicated that if the overstay by the tourists declines substantially in future, the US might review the bond requirements that have been put in place, expressing deep appreciation for the cooperation of Bangladesh to the return of undocumented Bangladeshis, Press Minister at Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC Golam Mortoza said in a Facebook post.

The meeting between Khalilur and Allison took place at the State Department in Washington DC on Friday, where Paul Kapur, assistant secretary of state, was also present.

During the meeting, they discussed upcoming elections in Bangladesh, economic and trade relations, Rohingya issue, and regional matters.

In the meeting with Allison, Khalilur briefed her about the preparations and arrangements for the upcoming general elections and expressed appreciation for the support of the US to the interim government during its tenure, including for the elections.

Allison responded that the US continues its strong support for the democratic transition in Bangladesh and looks forward to a free and fair election in February.

Khalilur underscored the prospects of increased trade between the two countries following substantially enhanced Bangladeshi import of American farm products. He requested Allison to ease travel of Bangladeshi businessmen to US in the context the of the recent visa bond, and if possible, to exempt B1 short term business visa for Bangladeshi businessmen from the visa bond.

Allison recognized the matter and assured that the US government will positively consider the step.

Khalilur also expressed sincere thanks to the US for its continued support to the displaced Rohingya population sheltered in Bangladesh.

Recognising that the US is the largest donor for Rohingyas, he requested continuation of US support and assistance for them.

Allison thanked Bangladesh for continuing to carry substantial burden by hosting Rohingya refugees. She underscored the need for broad based burden sharing and finding a solution to the crisis. She also requested Bangladesh to expand livelihood options for the Rohingyas as long as they are in Bangladesh.

Khalilur requested the US side to consider granting access to DFC financing for Bangladeshi private sector and also access to financing for semi-conductor development in Bangladesh.

Allison assured US consideration of these proposals.

Khalilur also expressed Bangladesh's interest in principle to be part of the international stabilisation force that would be deployed in Gaza, to which Allison said that the US is willing to work together with Bangladesh on this important matter.

In a separate meeting with Paul Kapur, Khalilur discussed issues of mutual interest including the forthcoming election in Bangladesh, US-Bangladesh bilateral relations, Rohingya crisis, US Visa bond, trade and investment and other regional issues.

As a special invitee, Khalilur also attended the swearing-in ceremony of Brent Christensen, the new appointed US ambassador to Bangladesh held in the State Department.

Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, Michael J Rigas, administered the oath.

The ceremony was attended by Bangladesh ambassador to US, embassy officials, senior State Department and military officials, former US ambassadors to Bangladesh, and US business leaders.

In his remarks, deputy secretary of state reiterated US commitment to continue to support Bangladesh in its journey to democratic transition.

Ambassador 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.”

In all the events, senior embassy officials accompanied Khalilur.