U.S. May Reconsider B1 Visa Bond Rules, Affirms Support for Bangladesh’s Upcoming Election

The United States has expressed expectations for a free, fair, and credible election in Bangladesh in February and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the country’s democratic transition. This was conveyed by Allison Hooker, U.S. Undersecretary for Political Affairs, during discussions with Bangladesh’s National Security Adviser, Khalilur Rahman, who is visiting Washington.

During the talks, Khalilur Rahman highlighted opportunities for expanding trade between the two countries, particularly through increased imports of Bangladeshi agricultural products. He also requested that the U.S. consider facilitating travel for Bangladeshi businesspeople, including the possibility of waiving visa bond requirements for short-term B1 business visas.

Allison Hooker acknowledged the request, stating that the U.S. government would give it positive consideration. She noted that if the rate of extended stays by tourists in the U.S. decreases significantly in the future, the current visa bond rules may be reviewed. Hooker also expressed appreciation for Bangladesh’s cooperation in ensuring the return of unauthorized Bangladeshi visitors.

According to the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, on January 9 local time, Khalilur Rahman also met with U.S. Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia, Paul Kapur, at the State Department. In addition, he attended the oath-taking ceremony of Brent Christensen as the new U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh.

Discussions with U.S. officials covered a range of topics, including the upcoming election, bilateral economic and trade relations, the Rohingya issue, and regional matters. Khalilur Rahman briefed the U.S. Undersecretary on Bangladesh’s preparations for the election and expressed gratitude for American support during the interim government period.

Hooker reiterated that the United States will continue to support Bangladesh’s democratic transition and hopes for a free and fair election in February.

Khalilur Rahman also expressed gratitude for ongoing U.S. assistance to Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, acknowledging the United States as the largest donor for their support. He urged continued American aid and cooperation, while Hooker thanked Bangladesh for hosting the Rohingya and requested further support to expand livelihood opportunities for the refugees for as long as they remain in the country.

In addition, Khalilur Rahman raised the possibility of facilitating U.S. Development Finance Corporation (DFC) funding for Bangladesh’s private sector and semiconductor development initiatives. Hooker assured that these proposals would be considered.

Khalilur Rahman also indicated Bangladesh’s interest in participating in the proposed deployable international stabilization force in Gaza, and Hooker expressed U.S. willingness to work with Bangladesh on this important initiative.

In a separate meeting with Paul Kapur, discussions focused on mutual interests including Bangladesh’s upcoming election, U.S.-Bangladesh bilateral relations, the Rohingya crisis, U.S. visa bond requirements, trade and investment, and other regional issues.