Staff Reporter :
Dhaka is preparing to welcome a high-level US delegation for a significant visit aimed at discussing a broad range of issues. This marks the first visit by a US delegation since the formation of the interim government led by Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus on August 8.
Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin emphasized the importance of the visit, noting that it reflects the US’s commitment to its relationship with Bangladesh. “The arrival of this delegation is a testament to the importance the US places on our relationship. The discussions will be multi-dimensional and cover more than just a single topic,” Uddin said.
The delegation will meet with Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, and Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, among other key figures. Additionally, Foreign Secretary Jashim will host a working lunch with representatives from various relevant ministries.
According to a US Department of State spokesperson, the talks will focus on how the United States can assist Bangladesh in its economic growth, financial stability, and development needs. “I prefer not to comment on the specific agenda before the discussions commence to maintain the integrity of the dialogue,” Foreign Secretary Jashim remarked.
US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Donald Lu, currently in New Delhi, will join the delegation. He will be accompanied by representatives from the US Department of the Treasury, USAID, and the Office of the US Trade Representative.
The delegation will include Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for South and Southeast Asia, Lindsey W. Ford, and Deputy Under Secretary/Assistant Secretary for International Finance at the US Department of the Treasury, Brent Neiman. Ford will address policy matters related to defense strategies and bilateral security relations in South Asia and Southeast Asia, while Neiman will focus on international finance.
The visit is expected to foster discussions on enhancing bilateral relations under the current political circumstances. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain highlighted the importance of the visit, asserting that the discussions will focus on actionable issues. He also noted that the US visa policy would not impact the bilateral relationship.
In a related development, the US has downgraded its travel advisory for Bangladesh from Level 4 to Level 3, urging its citizens to reconsider travel rather than avoid it entirely. The advisory change reflects a perceived reduction in immediate threats following recent student protests.
The revised advisory indicates that while civil unrest and violent clashes have decreased since July 2024, conditions in Bangladesh could change with little notice. US citizens are advised to avoid all gatherings that could turn violent.
As Dhaka prepares for the delegation’s arrival, discussions are anticipated to center on advancing US-Bangladesh relations and addressing shared economic and development goals.