Staff Reporter :
In a bid to bolster diplomatic ties between Bangladesh and the United States, Donald Lu, the Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, is scheduled to visit Bangladesh.
The information was revealed by Obaidul Quader, the General Secretary of the ruling Awami League and the Minister of Road Transport and Bridges at a press conference held at the political office of Awami League President Sheikh Hasina at Dhanmondi in the city on Sunday.
Obaidul Quader stated, “Donald Lu will come to Bangladesh to advance relations. He will talk to the government.”
Highlighting the potential political discourse surrounding Lu’s visit, Quader expressed concerns over the intentions of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), stating, “BNP is having some extraordinary thoughts.
They are thinking of imposing restrictions again. They have expressed many extraordinary thoughts repeatedly and have fallen into disrepute with the people.”
Quader emphasised that Lu’s visit follows up on the letter of congratulations sent by U.S. President Joe Biden to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after the 12th National Parliament elections.
“There will be discussions with us. Donald Lu is coming to follow up on relations with America, according to the letter from President Biden to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. We consider that,” he added.
Responding to queries regarding BNP’s recent statements, particularly BNP Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir’s remark about an “invisible force” running Bangladesh, Quader dismissed such notions, urging clarification from BNP leadership.
He accused BNP of fabricating falsehoods and asserted that the government is run by the people, not by “invisible forces,” as alleged by the opposition.
Quader also criticised BNP’s track record on governance, citing instances of alleged corruption and mismanagement during their tenure. He contrasted this with the achievements of the Awami League government, particularly in improving healthcare and ensuring food security.
The press conference, attended by senior officials of the Awami League, including Joint General Secretary Mahbub-ul Alam Hanif, Organising Secretary BM Mozammel Haque, and Information and Research Affairs Secretary Dr. Salim Mahmud, addressed various aspects of Lu’s upcoming visit and reiterated the commitment of the Awami League-led government to strengthen bilateral relations with the United States.
Assistant Secretary Lu will finally visit Bangladesh on May 14–15. In Dhaka, he will meet with government officials, civil society leaders, and other Bangladeshis to “discuss US-Bangladesh cooperation,” including addressing the climate crisis and “deepening economic ties.”