President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir called for a review and simplification of the existing US visa bond system for Bangladeshi businesspeople and genuine tourists. He made the request on Wednesday at Bangabhaban during a courtesy meeting with US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen.

The president sought increased US investment and cooperation in agriculture, recalling past support for the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute and Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute. He also requested greater American investment in energy, noting Chevron’s investment and important role, and highlighted opportunities in information technology, infrastructure, health and high-technology industries, with emphasis on technology and skills transfer.

On the Rohingya crisis, the president said continued US support was needed to ensure safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation to their home country. The ambassador assured continued support and stressed stronger cooperation among ASEAN countries. They also discussed a bilateral trade agreement, which the president described as progress while saying it could be made more balanced and mutually beneficial. The ambassador reaffirmed US interest in deepening relations with Bangladesh.