U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Kapur today met with Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman at the foreign ministry. Photo : MoFA

DHAKA, Mar 4, 2026 (BSS) – Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman today urged early resolution of ongoing Gulf conflicts through dialogue and diplomatic means to minimize loss of life and prevent wider destabilization when he met visiting U.S. Assistant Secretary Paul Kapur.

The U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Kapur met the foreign minister at the foreign ministry during his two-day visit to Dhaka.

During the meeting, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening Bangladesh–United States bilateral relations, particularly in economic engagement, based on mutual respect and shared interests, according to a foreign ministry’s statement.  

Dr. Rahman highlighted the current government’s “Bangladesh First” policy under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, emphasizing Dhaka’s strategy of maintaining strong relations with regional and global partners to advance national interests and shared prosperity.

Kapur congratulated the new government following what he described as a peaceful, free and festive general election in Bangladesh.

He also referred to the congratulatory letter sent by U.S. President Donald Trump to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, expressing confidence that relations between the two countries would continue to grow stronger.

The US assistant secretary underscored the importance of implementing the provisions of the Reciprocal Trade Agreement to promote greater bilateral trade and investment.

The foreign minister reiterated the government’s commitment to policy continuity, particularly in the economic sector.

The recent escalation in the Middle East also featured prominently during the discussions.

Dr. Rahman stressed the need for restraint by all parties and urged an early diplomatic solution to the conflict to minimize casualties and prevent further regional instability.

The meeting also reviewed the Rohingya issue, with the foreign minister thanking the US for its continued humanitarian support to the displaced people and seeking sustained international efforts for a durable and lasting solution to the crisis.

Both sides expressed optimism that regular high-level engagements and institutional dialogues would continue to deepen Bangladesh–U.S. relations in the coming years.

Prior to the meeting with the foreign minister, Kapur held a brief discussion with State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam.