President urges US to simplify visa bond system for Bangladeshis
During the meeting, the president also called for increased US investment in Bangladesh’s agriculture and energy sectors, underscoring the longstanding cooperation between the two countries.
President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has urged the United States to review and simplify its existing visa bond system for Bangladeshi businesspeople and genuine tourists.
He made the request during a courtesy meeting with US Ambassador Brent T Christensen at Bangabhaban this morning (2 September).
During the meeting, the president also called for increased US investment in Bangladesh's agriculture and energy sectors, underscoring the longstanding cooperation between the two countries.
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Recalling US support for Bangladesh Rice Research Institute and the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Fakhrul said such cooperation has contributed to the development of Bangladesh's agricultural sector.
He also acknowledged US energy company Chevron's role in developing Bangladesh's energy industry.
The president said Bangladesh has significant potential in information technology, infrastructure, healthcare and high-tech industries, and stressed the need for greater technology and skills transfer to strengthen these sectors.
He also sought continued US cooperation for the safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation of Rohingyas to their homeland.
In response, Christensen assured the president of continued US cooperation and stressed the importance of stronger cooperation among Asean countries.
The ambassador congratulated Fakhrul on assuming the presidency and conveyed his best wishes.
Trade ties
Discussing bilateral trade, the president described the United States as one of Bangladesh's most important development and trading partners.
He said the existing trade relationship plays a significant role in Bangladesh's economic development.
Referring to the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade, Fakhrul said the agreement marked important progress in bilateral trade.
However, he said the deal could be made more balanced and mutually beneficial by taking into account the economic realities and interests of both countries.
The president reaffirmed Bangladesh's commitment to maintaining friendly relations with all countries based on independence, sovereignty, national interest, mutual respect and equality.
He expressed hope that Bangladesh-US relations would continue to expand through mutual respect and the protection of shared interests.
Christensen reiterated Washington's interest in deepening and broadening relations with Bangladesh.
The president's secretaries and senior government officials were also present at the meeting.
