The United States has reaffirmed its support for Bangladesh’s democratic progress and economic reform efforts, while a delegation of 45 business leaders from 25 leading US companies is expected to visit Bangladesh by the end of next week.

The announcement came after a meeting between Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon on Saturday.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, Prime Minister’s Adviser Dr Mahdi Amin said the US envoy praised the government’s initiatives to restore democratic progress as well as political and economic stability in Bangladesh.

He said the United States remains committed to supporting Bangladesh in strengthening democracy and is interested in taking bilateral economic cooperation to a new level.

According to the adviser, the meeting focused on expanding bilateral trade, investment and cooperation in the energy sector. Discussions also covered the government’s efforts to address longstanding challenges in the power and gas sectors.

Dr Amin said the government would continue policy support for private sector growth by creating a more investment-friendly environment, accelerating industrialisation and reducing barriers to doing business. He added that improving coordination among government agencies remains a priority.

He also said the government is preparing to introduce 24-hour operations at the country’s seaports and land ports to facilitate imports and exports. The move is expected to reduce cargo handling time, lower business costs and enhance Bangladesh’s competitiveness in global trade.

Later the same day, the Prime Minister also held separate meetings with leading business executives to discuss improving the investment climate, boosting industrial production, ensuring energy supply and expanding exports, Dr Amin said.

He expressed optimism that closer cooperation between the government, the private sector and international partners would help strengthen state services, improve infrastructure and accelerate economic growth.