Bangladesh eyes on trade talks as US Delegation set to visit
Bangladesh will seek financial cooperation from Washington as a high level US delegation is set to visit Dhaka this month for discussion on advancing bilateral relations in the current political landscape, according to Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain.
"We will be pursuing financial cooperation from the US as we engage in discussions on all pertinent bilateral issues between our two countries," Hossain informed reporters at the foreign ministry yesterday.
The US delegation is expected to arrive in Dhaka on September 15, just before Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus departs for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on September 22.
This marks the first high-level visit from the US since Bangladesh’s interim government assumed office on August 8.
The delegation will likely include US Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu, Deputy Under Secretary for International Finance Brent Neiman, and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for South and Southeast Asia Lindsey W. Ford, as per official sources.
During the visit, the US officials are anticipated to meet with Chief Adviser Professor Yunus, Foreign Affairs Adviser, Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, and other key officials.
While the issue of US sanctions on the Rapid Action Battalion is not officially on the agenda, Hossain mentioned that it could still be addressed during the discussions.
Regarding the US visa policy for Bangladeshi nationals, Hossain expressed confidence that it would not adversely affect Bangladesh-US bilateral relations.
The US introduced a new visa policy on May 24 last year to support Bangladesh’s efforts in conducting free, fair, and peaceful national elections. Under this policy, the US can impose visa restrictions on any Bangladeshi individuals believed to be undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh.
Responding to claims by ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina that the US sought to control Bangladesh’s Saint Martin’s Island, Hossain stated that Washington had categorically denied the allegation.
.png "Advertisement")
