US President Donald Trump's Special Envoy on South and Central Asian Affairs Sergio Gor began his first official visit to Bangladesh on Thursday.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen welcomed the envoy's arrival, describing the visit as an important step towards strengthening bilateral ties.

"I am delighted to welcome to Bangladesh my friend, the US Special Envoy to South and Central Asia, Ambassador Sergio Gor," Christensen said.

He said the visit would further strengthen Bangladesh-US strategic ties, as well as regional security and economic cooperation.

Ahead of the visit, Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on Wednesday described it as "exploratory", saying the envoy would seek a broader understanding of Bangladesh.

"He will want to understand Bangladesh. He will speak not only with us but also with many other stakeholders," he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Dr Khalilur said Gor is expected to visit the Rohingya camps and noted that the United States remains the largest international contributor to the humanitarian response for the displaced Rohingyas.

The foreign minister said Bangladesh-US relations are multidimensional and that both countries are keen to further strengthen their partnership.

Asked whether Bangladesh expected any pressure from Washington over the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART), he said: "We do not feel any kind of pressure."

"We will never strengthen relations with one country at the expense of another. We seek to strengthen our relations with all countries while protecting and advancing Bangladesh's national interests," Dr Khalilur added.