Two US deputy assistant secretaries from the State Department are scheduled to visit Dhaka next week for discussions expected to focus on the Rohingya crisis, regional security and evolving US-Bangladesh relations, diplomatic sources have said.
Nicole Elkon, deputy assistant secretary for professional and cultural exchanges at the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, is expected to arrive in Dhaka on April 16, followed by Andreu Herrup, deputy assistant secretary at the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, on April 17. They are scheduled to leave on April 19, reports Bangla Tribune.
The acting US ambassador to Myanmar is also expected to join the delegation.
Multiple sources have indicated that there may be significant discussions between the two sides regarding the US administration’s stance on the Rohingya crisis and Myanmar, and how it could impact regional security.
The visiting US delegation may seek clarity on Bangladesh’s seemingly warming ties with China and its uneasy relations with India, as well as hold discussions on a range of issues, including the repatriation of undocumented Bangladeshis from the US, electoral reforms and governance.
On the other hand, Bangladesh is expected to express interest in expanding trade, securing financing from the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and discussing broader bilateral cooperation.
Both sides are expected to explore the framework that could shape their ties going forward.
A senior official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the ongoing conflict in Myanmar and the protracted Rohingya crisis posed a serious risk to regional security.
“Bangladesh has played a crucial role in maintaining regional stability by sheltering the Rohingyas, but it is the US that provides a significant portion of funding to meet their basic needs, and that funding has been gradually declining,” the official added.
They added that despite a recent US commitment of $73 million for Rohingya refugees through the UN World Food Programme, there was growing uncertainty over future assistance.
“If US support dries up or decreases further, it could have direct implications for regional security. This is something that needs to be discussed.”
US interest in China-Bangladesh relations
Dhaka’s deepening ties with Beijing are also expected to draw attention.
The recent China visit by Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus has been described by the interim government as "historic" and a foundation for the next 50 years of bilateral relations.
The high-profile visit has not gone unnoticed among countries with strategic interests in the region.
Another government official confirmed that Washington had informally inquired about the visit. “They wanted to understand nature and depth of Bangladesh’s relations with China.”
The official added that Dhaka had clarified why the visit had taken place, its significance and what the future of the relationship might look like.
Observers say Washington’s keen interest stems from its broader policy of countering Chinese influence in the region.
Undocumented migrant repatriation
The US has stepped up efforts to deport undocumented migrants since the start of Donald Trump’s second term as president.
So far, 10–12 Bangladeshis have been returned following court orders.
Besides, the Bangladesh embassy in Washington continues to issue travel permits for nationals without valid passports when requested by US authorities for their return home.
“We are fully cooperating with the United States on this matter,” said a foreign ministry official. “One undocumented migrant can jeopardize the chances of 10 legal ones, which is why we respond promptly to all such requests.”
Trade and tariffs
Bangladesh is also concerned about the impact of a 37% US tariff on its exports, which officials say could severely hamper trade.
To offset this, Dhaka is considering increasing imports from the United States and will raise the issue with the visiting officials.
“We want to enhance our economic partnership,” one government official told Bangla Tribune. “We are ready to create a conducive environment for that. Some initiatives are already underway, and the rest will depend on discussions between the two sides.”
