US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Paul Kapoor is arriving in Dhaka today, Tuesday, for a three-day visit aimed at discussing the future of Dhaka-Washington relations. His trip comes two weeks after Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s new government assumed office. According to the draft schedule, Kapoor will arrive from New Delhi tonight and begin meetings on Wednesday with US Embassy officials, followed by discussions with several Bangladeshi ministers, including those of foreign, home, energy, and commerce. He will also meet business representatives and political leaders before attending an iftar hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Foreign ministry officials said the visit will cover bilateral and geopolitical issues, including implementation of a recently signed trade agreement and the proposed security pact between the two countries. Economic cooperation will be a key focus, with senior economic adviser Laura Anderson accompanying Kapoor. Defense cooperation is also expected to feature prominently, as the US seeks to finalize two defense agreements, GSOMIA and ACSA. The visit may also address the repatriation of undocumented Bangladeshis from the United States.

The discussions are expected to shape the next phase of Bangladesh-US relations, particularly in trade, defense, and migration cooperation.