US Assistant Secy Paul Kapur arrives in Dhaka

US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Paul Kapur has arrived in Dhaka on a two-day visit aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership between the United States and Bangladesh.

Kapur landed in Dhaka on Tuesday evening, traveling via New Delhi. Officials from the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry and the US Embassy in Dhaka received him at the airport.

Sources familiar with the visit said that while the trip carries significant political dimensions, Washington will prioritize the implementation of a recently signed trade agreement between the two countries. 

Discussions are also expected to cover broader political understanding, mutual interests, the Myanmar crisis and Rohingya refugee situation, and regional developments including the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

According to the official schedule, Kapur will hold a series of high-level meetings on Wednesday, March 4, with Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Energy Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, and Commerce Minister Khondaker Abdul Muktadir. He is also set to meet with business leaders on Wednesday evening to discuss trade and investment opportunities.

On his final day in Dhaka, Thursday, Kapur will meet with Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir, followed by interactions with political party leaders. He will attend an iftar gathering hosted by the Foreign Ministry in the evening.

The US Embassy in Dhaka issued a statement on Monday outlining the objectives of the visit. The embassy said Kapur will engage with officials of the new government and business leaders to discuss expanding bilateral trade and investment, enhancing security cooperation, and advancing shared interests in the Indo-Pacific region.