At the start of the new year, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced stricter measures related to remittances, visas, and travel. These tough policy decisions by the Trump administration are being viewed as fresh pressure on Bangladesh, similar to their impact on several other countries. Against this backdrop, National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman left for Washington on Wednesday for a five-day official visit.

Diplomatic sources in Dhaka and Washington confirmed that the visit will focus on Bangladesh’s democratic transition, with particular emphasis on the upcoming national election scheduled for next month and the overall political situation. The review of recent decisions regarding supplementary tariffs between the two countries is also expected to feature prominently in the discussions.

According to diplomatic officials, Khalilur Rahman is set to arrive in the U.S. capital on the morning of January 7 local time. Several meetings have been scheduled for January 8 and 9.

Sources at the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington said that, under a tentative itinerary, the National Security Adviser is expected to meet U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Alison Hooker. The meeting is also likely to be attended by Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Paul Kapur, along with Sergio Gore, U.S. Ambassador to India and Special Envoy for South and Central Asia.

In addition, Khalilur Rahman is scheduled to hold talks with U.S. Assistant Trade Representative Brendan Lynch.

Diplomatic sources from both countries also noted that U.S. Ambassador-designate to Bangladesh Brent Christensen is set to take his oath of office at the U.S. State Department on January 9. The oath ceremony is expected to be administered by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio or Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Langdahl. The National Security Adviser may attend the ceremony. The newly appointed U.S. ambassador is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on January 12.