WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — Bangladesh’s interim National Security Advisor Khalilur Rahman visited Washington last week for high-level meetings with U.S. officials. Rahman met with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau at the State Department on June 18 to discuss preparations for Bangladesh’s national elections. In addition, the trip comes as regional diplomacy heats up and as controversy grows at home over the interim government’s foreign policy.
Rahman is on an official visit to the United States from June 16 to 26. He represents the administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, who took office after Bangladesh’s political upheaval. Moreover, Landau said on social media that the talks covered elections, security, and the bilateral partnership.
“Enjoyed meeting Bangladesh NSA Rahman today and hearing about the Interim Government’s efforts ahead of the national elections,” Landau wrote on X. Additionally, he noted, “We discussed the U.S.-Bangladesh relationship, including expanding trade and commercial ties. The U.S. is committed to working with Bangladesh to promote peace and stability in the region.”
Rahman also met with Assistant U.S. Trade Representative Brendan Lynch to talk about a proposed reciprocal tariff agreement. In particular, the two officials focused on trade barriers and new ways to improve economic ties. As a result, Rahman’s team hopes to bolster exports to the United States before the next elections.
Rahman’s visit also came on the heels of a separate high-profile meeting at the White House. President Donald Trump hosted Pakistan’s Army Chief Gen. Asim Munir the same day Rahman met Landau. As a consequence, analysts noted that these back-to-back visits raised eyebrows across South Asia. Moreover, some see this timing as part of a larger regional power play.
Reports also say Rahman met with the Chinese ambassador in Dhaka before flying to Washington. Furthermore, multiple news outlets say he asked China to help arrange a meeting with Pakistan’s intelligence chief. These claims have further fueled talk of Bangladesh balancing its diplomatic ties between Washington, Beijing, and Islamabad.
Rahman returned to a tense political climate. Meanwhile, critics in Bangladesh have questioned his role in facilitating foreign interests. The opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party, or BNP, has accused him of misusing Bangladesh’s strategic assets under the cover of humanitarian work.
For example, one issue sparking controversy is the proposed Rakhine Corridor. This is a supply route that would run from Bangladesh’s Teknaf region into Myanmar’s Rakhine State. Critics say the corridor could allow Western logistics operations to pass through the area under the pretext of aid. BNP leaders also raised concerns about the alleged misuse of Chittagong Port to benefit foreign powers.
On the other hand, supporters of Rahman and the Yunus administration dismissed these accusations. They describe them as political attacks meant to hurt the interim government.
Rahman brings decades of international experience to his role. In fact, before joining Bangladesh’s interim government, he held senior posts at the United Nations. He began his U.N. career in 1991 and served as Chief of the Least Developed Countries program at the U.N. Conference on Trade and Development. In addition, Rahman also chaired an interagency group that studied trade barriers.
As a result, experts say this background will help him manage foreign relations during a crucial period. The Yunus administration hopes to hold credible elections and bolster ties with key global powers. Ultimately, Rahman’s recent visit is seen as part of this broader effort.
As Bangladesh looks toward its next election, officials say they want to keep close ties with the United States. In particular, Landau’s public remarks reflect Washington’s interest in a stable and democratic Bangladesh. Trade, security, and regional cooperation will remain top priorities as the two countries navigate this complex time.
Rahman will continue his U.S. visit through June 26. In the meantime, observers will watch for new updates from his trip. They will also monitor domestic political debates back in Dhaka as the Yunus administration works toward its election goals. Ultimately, the outcome could shape Bangladesh’s foreign and trade policies for years to come.
