Diplomatic Correspondent :
In a significant development for Bangladesh’s diplomatic relations, high-level officials from the United States and India are set to visit the country, underscoring a renewed push for increased engagement.
According to sources, United States Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, Donald Lu, is scheduled to embark on a two-day visit to Bangladesh commencing May 14.
The visit aims to facilitate discussions on a range of bilateral matters between Dhaka and Washington, marking a notable interaction following Bangladesh’s January 7 election.
Donald Lu’s visit holds strategic importance, having previously played a pivotal role in encouraging dialogue among Bangladesh’s major political parties.
In November of last year, he issued letters to key parties including Awami League, BNP, and Jatiya Party, advocating for constructive talks to resolve political impasses and facilitate fair and participatory elections.
In response to these overtures, the Awami League expressed logistical challenges in accommodating dialogues with opposition parties within the limited timeframe.
Additionally, ahead of the recent elections, the United States adjusted its visa policy for Bangladeshi nationals, specifying consequences for those deemed to undermine electoral processes.
Moreover, the forthcoming visit of Indian diplomats underscores the growing warmth in Bangladesh-India relations, with discussions expected to encompass diverse areas of mutual interest.
The scheduled visits by U.S. and Indian officials signal a renewed commitment to strengthen ties and foster cooperation between Bangladesh and these key international partners.
The US government said that they only want to see a free, fair and participatory election in Bangladesh. After the 7 January election, the US said that the 12th parliamentary election was not ‘free and fair.’
Following this backdrop, Donald Lu is arriving in Dhaka to talk on multiple engagements between the two countries.
Regarding the visit of Lu, Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud on Wednesday said that Lu would pay a visit to Bangladesh focusing on the Rohingya crisis.
“He is coming mainly to discuss the Rohingya crisis,” he told the reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in response to a question.
Though the minister did not say anything in detail about Lu’s visit, but he said that other bilateral issues would certainly come up for discussion.
Regarding Bangladesh-US relations, he stated that the existing relation is ‘excellent’ and both countries are working closely to deepen the engagements.
“We will continue to work closely. The relations will be deepened,” he said.
Sources said that Lu will have meetings with Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud, PM’s adviser Salman F Rahman and Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen to talk on multiple issues including labour issues.
Recently, the US administration has been focusing on labour issues in various sectors including the readymade garment and the reservation of several provisions of the labour laws of Bangladesh.
The foreign minister said that the relations between Bangladesh and the US will be further strengthened through the visit.
Meanwhile, Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday evening by a special flight for a short trip.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh twitted on X (formerly twitter) said Kwatra is expected to meeting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud and Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen on Thursday.
Sources said that Indian Foreign Secretary would talk on various bilateral issues including the finalisation of Sheikh Hasina’s visit to Delhi in July.
Being a neighbouring country, Bangladesh has multiple issues including Teesta water sharing agreement and border killing to address.
Besides, Bangladesh is expecting to start a mega project on the Teesta river basin with the assistance of China to manage water for the northern regions. India has reservation on this project.
During Kwatra’s visit, many more issues are likely to be discussed before the PM’s Delhi visit.
Currently the UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific Anne-Marie Trevelyan is visiting Dhaka to focus on UK-Bangladesh migration cooperation, trade and economic ties, and the UK’s support to Rohingya refugees response.
