U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Paul Kapur, described his meeting with Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obayed as "productive."
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday (March 4) after the conclusion of the meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kapur shared his positive outlook on the discussions.
The Assistant Secretary arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Tuesday night to kick off a high-stakes visit aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership between the United States and Bangladesh.
Strengthening Strategic Ties
Kapur’s visit is centered on enhancing bilateral cooperation across several key sectors. According to his itinerary, the discussions with senior government officials and business leaders will focus on:
Trade and Investment: Expanding economic ties and bilateral commerce.
Security Cooperation: Enhancing regional stability and defense collaboration.
Indo-Pacific Interests: Advancing shared goals within the Indo-Pacific region.
A Busy Diplomatic Schedule
The Assistant Secretary’s Wednesday schedule is packed with high-level engagements. Following his talk with the Foreign Minister, he is slated to meet with:
- Energy and Mineral Resources Minister: Iqbal Hasan Mahmud.
- Commerce Minister: Khandaker Abdul Muktadir.
In the evening, he will attend an interactive session with business representatives organized by the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham), followed by a formal dinner in honor of his visit.
Political Engagements and Tributes
On the final day of his tour, Kapur is expected to engage with various political stakeholders. He is scheduled to meet with leaders of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party (NCP) in the morning, followed by a meeting with BNP leadership in the afternoon.
Later that day, he will consult with the Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser, Humayun Kabir. Notably, the Assistant Secretary is also scheduled to pay his respects at the graves of the late President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.
Background: Paul Kapur was sworn in as the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs on October 22, 2025. This visit serves as a significant milestone in diplomatic relations under the current U.S. administration led by President Donald Trump.
