Washington/Dhaka, Jan 9: The United States has urged Bangladesh to accelerate the return of undocumented Bangladeshi nationals living in the US, with officials estimating that nearly 5,000 individuals could eventually face repatriation as Washington sharpens its immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Diplomatic sources said the issue featured prominently during talks between senior officials of the two countries, coinciding with Bangladesh National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman’s five-day visit to Washington.
According to US government estimates, around 300 undocumented Bangladeshis were deported over the past year, while another 300 have completed legal requirements for return. An estimated 4,000 others remain in the US with unresolved court cases, making the repatriation process gradual and legally complex.
A diplomatic source said both sides are exploring mechanisms to expedite verification and return procedures, as the Trump administration places heightened emphasis on swift removal of undocumented migrants.
Alongside immigration, trade imbalances have emerged as a key concern for Washington. US officials have called on Bangladesh to increase imports of American goods in an effort to narrow the widening trade gap between the two countries.
In 2024, US imports from Bangladesh reached $8.37 billion, while American exports to Bangladesh stood at $2.21 billion, according to official figures. Bangladeshi authorities have responded by expanding imports of US wheat, cotton, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) since early 2025, though concerns remain over tariff levels on certain Bangladeshi exports.
Trade-related discussions are expected to continue during Khalilur Rahman’s scheduled meeting with US Assistant Trade Representative Brendan Lynch.
During his visit, Khalilur held talks with US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker, joined by Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Paul Kapoor. He is also set to attend the oath-taking ceremony of US ambassador-designate to Bangladesh Brent Christensen, who is expected to arrive in Dhaka on January 12.
The talks come amid a shift in Washington’s policy approach toward Bangladesh. While the previous US administration under President Joe Biden focused on human rights and electoral accountability, including sanctions on Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and visa restrictions, the current administration has prioritized immigration enforcement and trade relations.
Bangladesh’s recent inclusion in the US visa bond programme, which increases the cost of obtaining certain US visas, has also added to bilateral discussions.
On political matters, Bangladeshi officials in Washington said Bangladesh’s internal electoral process is not a central focus of the current US engagement, though American officials continue to express general support for free and fair elections.
