BD urges review of visa bond policy
Diplomatic Correspondent :
Bangladesh has formally requested the United States to ease its recently introduced visa bond policy, particularly for short-term business travellers, with Washington assuring that the matter will be positively considered.
In addition, Dhaka is expecting that US administration would possibly reduce the current 20 per cent reciprocal tariff rate, bringing it more in line with regional competitors.
The issues were raised during meetings between National Security Adviser (NSA) Dr Khalilur Rahman and senior US officials at the State Department in Washington DC on Friday, according to CA office.
Quoting the meeting outcome, CA office further said that Bangladesh has achieved an important step forward in strengthening its mutually beneficial trade relationship with the United States, opening the door to greater market access and new opportunities for its vital textile and apparel sector.
This creative, win-win approach strengthens bilateral trade, supports Bangladeshi manufacturers and workers, and deepens supply-chain ties with US producers.
It reflects growing momentum and goodwill in US-Bangladesh economic relations and marks a promising new chapter for Bangladesh’s global trade prospects.
Even more significantly, under a proposed preferential scheme discussed by Dr Rahman and Ambassador Greer, Bangladesh would receive tariff-free access to the US market for textile and apparel exports equivalent to its imports of US-produced cotton and man-made fiber textile inputs, measured on a square-meter basis.
In another meeting, Dr Rahman met Under-Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker and Assistant Secretary of State Paul Kapur, with discussions covering Bangladesh’s upcoming general elections, trade and economic ties, the Rohingya crisis, visa issues, and regional and global matters.
NSA briefed the US side on preparations for Bangladesh’s general elections and thanked Washington for its support to the interim government, including assistance related to the electoral process.
Hooker reaffirmed continued US support for Bangladesh’s democratic transition and said Washington was looking forward to free and fair elections scheduled for February 12.
On economic relations, Dr Rahman highlighted the scope for expanding bilateral trade, noting Bangladesh’s significantly increased imports of US agricultural products.
He also requested the easing of travel restrictions for Bangladeshi businesspeople, urging the US to exempt B1 short-term business visas from the visa bond requirement.
Hooker acknowledged the concern and assured that the US government would positively consider the request.
She added that if tourist overstays decline substantially in the future, Washington may review the bond requirements currently in place.
She also expressed appreciation for Bangladesh’s cooperation in facilitating the return of undocumented Bangladeshi nationals.
Drawing attention to the Rohingya crisis featured prominently in the talks, Dr Rahman thanked the US for its continued support to displaced Rohingyas sheltered in Bangladesh and requested sustained assistance, noting that Washington remains the largest donor.
Hooker thanked Bangladesh for bearing a heavy responsibility by hosting the refugees and stressed the need for broader international burden-sharing, while also encouraging expanded livelihood opportunities for Rohingyas during their stay in Bangladesh.
NSA also sought US consideration for access to Development Finance Corporation (DFC) financing for Bangladesh’s private sector and support for semiconductor development. The Under Secretary assured that these proposals would be considered.
On regional and global issues, Dr Rahman expressed Bangladesh’s interest in principle in joining a potential international stabilisation force in Gaza. Hooker said the US was willing to work with Bangladesh on this important matter.
In a separate meeting with Assistant Secretary Paul Kapur, both sides discussed the forthcoming elections, bilateral relations, the Rohingya issue, the visa bond policy, trade and investment, and other regional concerns.