President Urges US to Ease Visa Bond Requirement for Bangladeshis

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has urged the United States to review and ease the current ‘visa bond’ system for Bangladeshi businessmen and genuine tourists to travel to the United States. The President made the call during a courtesy call on US Ambassador Brent T. Christensen at Bangabhaban on Wednesday. The President’s Press Secretary Md. Sarwar Alam told BSS while briefing reporters.

During the meeting, the US ambassador extended his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on assuming office as President.

The President recalled past U.S. investment and assistance in developing Bangladesh’s agricultural sector and called for greater U.S. investment and assistance in this sector. He also mentioned Chevron’s investment and important role in developing the country’s energy sector.

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir requested increased US investment in Bangladesh’s energy, information technology, infrastructure, health, and high-tech industries, among other sectors. He emphasized the transfer of technology and skills in various sectors.

At the same time, the President sought the cooperation of the United States to ensure the safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation of the Rohingyas to their own country. He thanked the US ambassador and said that the United States is one of the most important development partners of Bangladesh. The existing commercial relationship with the United States is playing an important role in the economic development of Bangladesh.

Mr. Mirza Fakhrul said that Bangladesh attaches utmost importance to the principles of independence, sovereignty, national interests, mutual respect and equality in international relations. He expressed hope that bilateral relations and trade agreements with the United States will be further expanded in the future through mutual respect and protection of common interests.

The President said, ‘This is an important step forward in expanding the trade relations between the two countries. However, there is an opportunity to make this agreement more balanced and mutually beneficial by considering the economic realities and interests of both countries.’ The US Ambassador assured Bangladesh of continued cooperation and emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation among ASEAN countries. At the time, the US Ambassador reiterated his country’s interest in deepening and multidimensional relations with Bangladesh. The President’s secretaries and senior officials were present during the meeting.