Photo: MoFA

DHAKA, May 19, 2026 (BSS) – Bangladesh and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation in trade, energy, defence, the Rohingya crisis and Indo-Pacific affairs during talks held in Washington, D.C.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam paid a brief visit to Washington on May 18, where she held meetings with senior US government officials, as well as leaders of the International Republican Institute (IRI) and the Atlantic Council, said a foreign ministry’s press release here today. 

During a meeting at the US Department of State, the state minister and US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs S. Paul Kapur expressed satisfaction over the upward trajectory of Bangladesh-US relations.

The two sides reiterated their commitment to further strengthening partnership across various areas of mutual interest, including trade, energy, defence cooperation, the Rohingya issue, Indo-Pacific affairs and people-to-people contacts.

They also underscored the importance of regular high-level engagements to maintain momentum in the growing bilateral relationship.

Earlier, the state minister met US Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM) Andrew Veprek and thanked the United States for its continued support to the Rohingya cause.

Both sides agreed to work together to ensure the safe, sustainable and voluntary repatriation of the Rohingyas to Myanmar.

During her visit, Shama Obaed Islam also met IRI President Dr Daniel Twining at the organisation’s headquarters in Washington.

She appreciated IRI’s longstanding partnership in supporting Bangladesh’s democratic development and commended its election observation delegation for promoting transparent and credible elections in the country.

The state minister highlighted the government’s commitment to inclusive democracy, youth empowerment, women’s political participation, protection of religious minorities and strengthening civil society and media capacity.

Later, she addressed a roundtable discussion at the Atlantic Council, where she highlighted Bangladesh’s democratic transition, economic openness and balanced foreign policy.

In her remarks, she stressed the growing Bangladesh-US partnership in trade, energy, technology and education, while reaffirming Bangladesh’s commitment to regional stability and constructive engagement with neighbouring countries.

Following the discussion, the state minister held a bilateral meeting with Atlantic Council Executive Vice-President Jenna Ben-Yehuda.

During the meeting, she reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to constitutional democracy, inclusive development, women’s empowerment, minority rights and regional stability.

She also stressed the importance of sustaining international attention on the Rohingya crisis and called for greater engagement by leading US policy institutions to promote a balanced and objective understanding of Bangladesh globally.