US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu due in Dhaka on Tuesday

US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on Tuesday.

Mr Lu, one of the key strategists of the US State Department in devising its South Asia policies, is scheduled to meet with government officials, civil society leaders, and other Bangladeshis to discuss bilateral cooperation, climate crisis ways to deepen economic ties during his upcoming visit to Dhaka, concerned officials said.

This will be his 4th visit to Dhaka which is expected to ‘strengthen bilateral cooperation with each country and demonstrate US support for a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region,’ a spokesman of the US State Department said regarding the visit.

When asked about the visit, Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud told the newsmen on Monday that issues like sanctions on RAB and visa restrictions will come up during the discussions with the veteran US diplomat.

This visit would also highlight ways and means to further enhance the strong bilateral ties between the two countries, he added.

Responding to a question about whether awarding offshore energy blocs to US companies would be discussed during the visit, the FM skipped direct answer by stating that issues related to economic cooperation would also get priority during discussions with Mr Lu.

The Rohingya issue will also be highly featured during the visit, an official said, adding that the ongoing civil war in Myanmar and its implications in the regional geopolitics will eventually come up.

According to the analyst’s Bangladesh, which has been often blamed for human rights violations by the US, will be in a comfortable position this time as the US itself is being severely criticised by others for its backing to Israel, which is engaged in sheer violation of human rights in Gaza since October, last year.

Many felt that the visit would have geopolitical implications as the US eyes greater engagement of Bangladesh in its Indo-Pacific Strategy, often dubbed as an instrument to erode China’s growing influence in this region.

It may be mentioned that prior to the last general elections held in January this year, Mr Lu issued letters to the top political parties of Bangladesh.

On Sunday, Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said Mr Lu is coming to Dhaka to take forward relations between Bangladesh and the United States.

"Donald Lu is coming to take ahead the relations. He will talk to the government. But, BNP is thinking absurd things that the US will again impose sanctions," he told a press conference at Awami League President Sheikh Hasina's Dhanmondi political office in Dhaka.

He said Donald Lu is coming to Bangladesh to follow up on the letter sent by US President Joe Biden congratulating Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her re-election in the 12th national elections.

The Awami League general secretary said BNP has suddenly become very active over the visit of Donald Lu but his visit is a usual one.

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