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democracy and human rights issues.

The Trump administration’s focus is on trade and security, reflected in the reciprocal trade agreement signed on February 9, three days before the election, which analysts say favours the US.

They also pointed out that the agreement contains provisions involving Bangladesh’s trade with non-market economies, which is problematic, although the tariff on Bangladesh’s exports to the US has been reduced to 19 percent from 20 percent.

The US Supreme Court, however, cancelled the tariffs imposed by the President. Trump later announced a universal tariff of 15 percent.

Foreign ministry officials said there are many issues surrounding trade and tariffs that need clarification, and these will be discussed during Kapur’s visit.

US Ambassador Brent Christensen, after arriving in Dhaka earlier this year, also spoke of his priorities on trade and regional security, particularly Chinese influence in South Asia.

The US has been seeking to sign two defence deals with Bangladesh -- GSOMIA and ACSA -- and this could be an important part of discussions during Kapur’s visit, sources said.

A diplomatic source in Washington said the US wants speedy repatriation of around 5,000 undocumented Bangladeshis currently living there, as the Trump administration has stepped up its anti-immigration drive.

The source said in 2025, the US repatriated about 300 undocumented Bangladeshis and another 300 are currently eligible for repatriation. An estimated 4,000 others are believed to be living there with irregular status, with cases pending in court.