US ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christenen paid a courtesy call on President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. Photo: Bangabhaban

DHAKA, Sep 02, 2026 (BSS) - President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today urged the United States to simplify its visa processing procedures for Bangladeshi tourists and business people to facilitate people-to-people and business ties between the two countries. 

The President made the call when US ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christenen paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban this morning.

During the meeting, the US envoy congratulated the President on his assumption of office as the President of Bangladesh.  

Recalling the past US investment and cooperation in the country's agricultural development, the President called for further US investment and cooperation in the country’s development sector.

He also referred to Chevron’s investment and important role in the development of the country’s energy sector and urged increased US investment in Bangladesh’s energy, information technology, infrastructure, and health and high-tech industries sectors.

The President also sought US cooperation in ensuring the safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation of the Rohingyas to their homeland.

Thanking the US ambassador, the President said, “The United States is one of the Bangladesh’s important development partners. The existing trade relations with the US are playing an important role in Bangladesh’s economic development.”

On international relations, the President said, “Bangladesh attaches the highest importance to the principles of independence, sovereignty, national interest, mutual respect and equality in its international relations.” 

He expressed the hope that bilateral relations and trade agreements with the United States would be further expanded in the days to come through mutual respect while protecting common interests.

Referring to the recent bilateral trade agreements with US, the President said, “This is an important development in expanding the trade relations between the two countries.”

“There is a scope to make the agreement more balanced and mutually beneficial, taking into consideration the economic realities and interests of both the countries,” he added.

The ambassador assured that the US would continue its cooperation with Bangladesh and stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation with ASEAN countries.

He also reiterated his US’s interest in further deepening and diversifying relations with Bangladesh.

Military secretary to the President and Press Secretary and senior officials were present during the meeting.