[🇧🇩] The U.S.A.---A Strategic Partner of Bangladesh

[Vikings]

S @Saif , you can read this article from Global Times! And surely you know that Global Times is actually voice of Chinese government! I hope now you will understand who is behind Hasina!

Hasina's reelection shows Bangladesh's determination to rid US interference

On January 7, the 12th National Parliament elections in Bangladesh came to a peaceful end. As expected, the Awami League, led by the incumbent Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, achieved an overwhelming victory. This will give Prime Minister Hasina a fourth straight term. The victory was achieved despite continuous pressure and criticism from the West. This victory not only reflects Prime Minister Hasina's determination as an experienced politician who is not afraid of external forces, but also her insistence on her chosen political direction and development path. It also reflects the strong desire of many countries in the Global South, represented by Bangladesh, to seek political stability, economic growth and social development in their own countries while avoiding involvement in the geopolitical competition provoked by the West.

Read the full article from source!

Hasina’s reelection shows Bangladesh’s determination to rid US interference - Global Times

www.globaltimes.cn

 

[Saif]

S @Saif , you can read this article from Global Times! And surely you know that Global Times is actually voice of Chinese government! I hope now you will understand who is behind Hasina!

Hasina's reelection shows Bangladesh's determination to rid US interference

On January 7, the 12th National Parliament elections in Bangladesh came to a peaceful end. As expected, the Awami League, led by the incumbent Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, achieved an overwhelming victory. This will give Prime Minister Hasina a fourth straight term. The victory was achieved despite continuous pressure and criticism from the West. This victory not only reflects Prime Minister Hasina's determination as an experienced politician who is not afraid of external forces, but also her insistence on her chosen political direction and development path. It also reflects the strong desire of many countries in the Global South, represented by Bangladesh, to seek political stability, economic growth and social development in their own countries while avoiding involvement in the geopolitical competition provoked by the West.

Read the full article from source!

Hasina’s reelection shows Bangladesh’s determination to rid US interference - Global Times

www.globaltimes.cn

Please visit the following thread to know who is behind Awami League.

🇧🇩 - The Nexus Between Awami League and India

I am opening this thread to expose India's nefarious plan to keep Bangladesh into its sphere of influence by aiding Awami League to suppress the opposition to perpetuate its reign in Bangladesh.

www.defensepk.com

 

[Saif]

US denies ‘Peter Haas’ hiding’ during Bangladesh election

The US Department of State spokesperson, Matthew Miller, has denied an accusation reportedly made by a former Indian ambassador to Bangladesh that the US ambassador in Dhaka, Peter Haas, was in hiding just before Bangladesh’s immediate past general election due to alleged Indian pressure....

www.newagebd.net

US denies 'Peter Haas' hiding' during Bangladesh election
Staff Correspondent | Published: 14:08, Apr 09,2024 | Updated: 14:24, Apr 09,2024

US Department of State spokesperson Matthew Miller. -- Collected photo.

The US Department of State spokesperson, Matthew Miller, has denied an accusation reportedly made by a former Indian ambassador to Bangladesh that the US ambassador in Dhaka, Peter Haas, was in hiding just before Bangladesh's immediate past general election due to alleged Indian pressure.

The State Department spokesperson made the denial in response to a question at the department's regular press briefing in the US on Monday.

The text of the press briefing was uploaded to the State Department's official website.

The questioner asked, 'Is that true that U.S. ambassador in Dhaka, Peter Haas, was in hiding just before Bangladesh one-sided election due to alleged Indian pressure? The accusation was reportedly made by a senior Indian diplomat and former ambassador to Bangladesh during a book launching ceremony in New Delhi.'

'So I haven't been following every book launch ceremony in New Delhi, but no, that is not accurate,' responded the State Department spokesperson.

The accusation was reportedly made by former Indian ambassador to Bangladesh, Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty, in a book launching ceremony organised by the Observer Research Foundation in New Delhi. The book was written by the senior Indian diplomat.​

 

[Saif]

US support sought to build Smart Bangladesh

ERD secretary sits with US delegation on the sidelines of the ADB annual meeting

www.thedailystar.net

US support sought to build Smart Bangladesh
ERD secretary sits with US delegation on the sidelines of the ADB annual meeting

The government has sought US support to implement the long-term economic vision of building a 'Smart Bangladesh' by 2041.

Shahriar Kader Siddiky, secretary of the Economic Relations Division (ERD) and alternate governor of Bangladesh to ADB, made the call in a meeting with a US delegation on the sidelines of the ADB Annual Meeting 2024 at Tbilisi in Georgia.

Alexia Latortue, assistant secretary for International Trade and Development of US Treasury, led the US delegation.

In the meeting, both the countries discussed climate cooperation and exchanged views on the reforms Bangladesh is currently undertaking for consolidating financial and fiscal discipline.

Stressing the need for climate finance, the ERD secretary said a huge investment would be required for Bangladesh's climate transition.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali joined an event on "Financing the Clean Energy Transition in South Asia" on the second day of the ADB Annual Meeting as a panellist and presented Bangladesh's vision for clean and green energy transition.

Ali also focused on building greater trust and confidence among South Asian countries to leverage their additional capacities in hydro, solar and other non-fossil fuel sources for meeting region's growing energy needs in a sustainable manner.

The minister emphasised on creating environment for domestic and foreign investors to bring finances in bankable energy projects and also sought ADB's support to this end.​

 

[Saif]

We do not have any conflict with the US: Quader

Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Sunday said Awami League does not have any conflict with the US. “But if telling the truth hurts their interests, then nothing can be done,” he said. Quader was speaking at a press conference orga

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

We do not have any conflict with the US: Quader
UNB
Published :
May 05, 2024 19:09
Updated :
May 05, 2024 19:35

Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Sunday said Awami League does not have any conflict with the US.

"But if telling the truth hurts their interests, then nothing can be done," he said.

Quader was speaking at a press conference organised at the political office of Awami League President Sheikh Hasina in the capital's Dhanmondi area.

During the Vietnam War, various universities, including Columbia University in the United States faced hurdles as they raised voices against the war, Quader mentioned, adding that such types of repression are still going on. "At least 2500 people were arrested due to the protest."

"Why has the question of friendship with the United States been raised for telling the truth?" he said.

He said: "They talk about the human rights of our country. Can't we talk about the human rights situation of their country? Why don't they see human rights in their own country, like Bangladesh? We did not mention that we do not have a friendship with them."

He said when the opposition party in our country committed arson terrorism, attacked the police, set fire to the police hospital, vandalised the residence of the Chief Justice, and attacked journalists, the United States remains silent

US President Joe Biden said his country is not authoritarian. But the definition of authoritarianism in the current US scenario is something different, he questioned.

Regarding foreign pressure, Quder said the pressure is there, but it is global economic pressure. Like many other countries across the world, Bangladesh is also facing hurdles due to the Russia-Ukraine war, he added

"Bangladesh is not free from the influence of the war. Import-export, energy, and dollar crisis are related to the economy. Consequently, we are under pressure," Quader said.

About Upazila polls, the AL leader said Awami League did not allot the party's electoral symbol to candidates in order to make the elections more participatory and competitive.

"This does not mean that other parties cannot allocate symbols for elections, if they want, they can choose their party symbol " he added.

Among others, AL Organising Secretaries Abu Sayeed Al Mahmood Swapon, Mirza Azam and SM Kamal Hossain, were also present at the press conference.​

 

[Saif]

Reforms needed to attract more US investment: Peter Haas

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas yesterday stressed stabilising the local macro-economic situation and going for policy reforms to create a comfortable, competitive and business-friendly environment for attracting US investment.

www.thedailystar.net

Reforms needed to attract more US investment: Peter Haas

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas yesterday stressed stabilising the local macro-economic situation and going for policy reforms to create a comfortable, competitive and business-friendly environment for attracting US investment.

"Bangladesh's success story attracts investment, but the country needs regulatory improvements to create a truly competitive business environment," he said.

Haas made this comment while addressing the opening session of the three-day "29th US Trade Show", organised by the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) at the InterContinental Dhaka yesterday.

Haas added that positive developments in Bangladesh were already underway.

US companies that are already working in Bangladesh recognise the potential of bilateral trade and providing high-quality products to the local consumers, he added.

According to Haas, the success of American energy companies in Bangladesh demonstrates the positive impact of US investment.

He also said the government's push to streamline business operations through the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) is a welcome step.

Citing how US investors have no shortage of investment destinations, Haas suggested that Bangladesh foster a business-friendly environment to grab their attention. In fact, the environment must be so welcoming that American investors can wake up in the morning and immediately decide where to invest, he said.

Haas informed that the US government and private sector are interested in working together to develop an investment-friendly atmosphere in Bangladesh.

Salman F Rahman, the Prime Minister's adviser on private industry and investment, acknowledged that there are areas that need to be worked on, including regulations, interest rates, and taxes.

Rahman believes digitalisation could be a potential solution for increasing tax collection and the tax-GDP ratio.

However, during the past two decades, Bangladesh has seen visible development of not only its economy, but also in its social index. So now the government is trying hard to create a competitive environment to draw investment, he said.

While expressing concerns about the ease of doing business, Rahman said BIDA is working on addressing the issue by providing all 130 investment services through its digital system.

He also pointed out that the central bank's decision regarding the crawling peg and market-based bank interest rate would help overcome the ongoing challenges.

Rahman said that if the local currencies of countries from which Bangladesh imports products can be used for bilateral trade, then the pressure on the country's US dollar reserves will decrease.

"Increasing the price of the dollar will have a great impact on imports, but remittance income and export-oriented industries will also benefit," he added.

Zunaid Ahmed Palak, the state minister for post, telecommunications and information technology, said the local information technology (IT) companies have built up amazing capacity over the last 15 years.

He said IT entrepreneurs can now proudly present their achievements, having created around 2 million jobs over the last 10 years.

According to him, just during the last decade, around $2 billion was invested in this sector.

"Now is the perfect time to invest in this sector as skilled manpower is available in Bangladesh," he said, adding that around 700 freelancers are contributing to American companies.

Palak claimed that US companies source around 60 percent of their outsourced workforce from Bangladesh.

AmCham President Syed Ershad Ahmed said the US is one of Bangladesh's most significant and flourishing business partners, with growing opportunities in various sectors.

According to statistics, the US is the largest single-country investor in Bangladesh.

According to Ahmed, since the inception of the US Trade Show in 1992, when bilateral trade was worth just a few million USD, the event has played a pivotal role in fostering trade, which now exceeds $10 billion.

"We are confident that this show will serve as a gateway for American businesses to tap into the fast-growing Bangladesh market across diverse sectors, including energy and power, agriculture, heavy industries, consumer goods, healthcare and medical equipment, and various services," Ahmed said.

At the event, a total of 44 exhibitors are showcasing more than 100 top-tier US products and services across 79 booths. The trade show will remain open from 10:00am to 8:00pm every day.

The entry fee is Tk 30 per visitor, but invitees and students can enter for free.​

 

[Saif]

https://thedailynewnation.com/lu-to-discuss-bd-us-co-op/

Lu to discuss BD-US co-op
11 May 2024, 12:00 am

Staff Reporter :

The State Department announced that Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu will be visiting Bangladesh to discuss U.S.-Bangladesh cooperation, including initiatives on climate change and enhancing economic ties.

According to the State Department's website, Lu's trip to India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh is scheduled for May 10—15.

The statement emphasized that Lu's visit aims to "strengthen bilateral cooperation with each country and demonstrate U.S. support for a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region." In Dhaka, Lu plans to meet with government officials, civil society leaders, and other stakeholders to discuss various cooperation topics.

Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud of Bangladesh earlier mentioned that Lu's visit would also include a trip to the Rohingya camps and cover other aspects of bilateral cooperation.

During a State Department press briefing, Spokesperson Mathew Miller addressed a recent incident where two Bangladeshi citizens were shot by the Indian Border Security Forces (BSF).

He stated, "We are aware of the reports about this incident. We understand that the Indian and Bangladeshi border security agencies are communicating with one another." Miller deferred further comment to the ongoing investigations by the respective countries.

The shooting incident coincided with the visit of Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra to Dhaka for discussions on various bilateral issues, including an invitation to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to visit Delhi after India's Lok Sabha election.

Post-discussion, Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud relayed, "We have emphasized not to use lethal weapons. Mr. Kwatra informed us that India has instructed their border security force accordingly.

There is no lack of sincerity between the two countries at governmental and political levels regarding this."

In the same briefing, a journalist questioned the U.S. visa policy for Bangladeshis following alleged democratic irregularities in local elections. Miller responded, "I don't have any updates to announce.

We obviously made that policy public. At times we make designations under that policy public; at times we keep them private. I don't have anything to announce today."​

 

[Saif]

Donald Lu arrives today

Foreign minister Hasan Mahmud said that the issues relating to the United States’ visa policy for Bangladesh announced before the January 7 elections and...

www.newagebd.net

Donald Lu arrives today
Staff Correspondent 14 May, 2024, 00:38

Donald Lu

Foreign minister Hasan Mahmud said that the issues relating to the United States' visa policy for Bangladesh announced before the January 7 elections and Dhaka's call for withdrawal of restrictions on Rapid Action Battalion might come up during the visit of Donald Lu, the US assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asian affairs.

He, however, said Bangladesh had a very good relation with the US and the US president Joe Biden had conveyed in a message to prime minister Sheikh Hasina, on her assumption to office for the fourth consecutive term in January, to take the relation to a new height.

'As these issues left some marks on our relation, easing the US visa policy and withdrawal of their restrictions on RAB may naturally come up for discussion during the visit of Donald Lu,' the foreign minister told reporters at his Segunbagicha office on Monday.

He said that both sides would also discuss economic ties and ways to enhance the relation further.

Donald Lu is expected to arrive in Dhaka today as per the schedule announced by the US Department of State on May 9.

'Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu will travel to India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh May 10—15. His trip will strengthen bilateral cooperation with each country and demonstrate U.S. support for a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region,' said the US Department of State in a release.

Assistant secretary Lu will conclude his tri-nation trip in Dhaka, where 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, said the release.

US assistant secretary of state Donald Lu during his last visit to Bangladesh in January 2023 conveyed to the government that the US wanted the general elections in Bangladesh to be held in a free and fair manner while expressing its commitment to democracy.

In September, 2023, the US Department of State announced that it had started imposing visa restrictions on individuals involved in undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh.

The announcement came at a time when the Election Commission of Bangladesh started making preparations for the January 7 election.

In December 2021, the US imposed sanctions against seven former and serving officials of the RAB and the force itself over allegations of rights abuse.

Dhaka on several occasions called upon the US authorities for the withdrawal of the sanctions.​

 

[Saif]

Sanctions on RAB, visa policy affected relations with the US: Foreign minister

Sanctions on RAB officials and US visa policy affecting relations discussed by Bangladesh Foreign Minister with upcoming US official visit

en.prothomalo.com

Sanctions on RAB, visa policy affected relations with the US: Foreign minister
Diplomatic CorrespondentDhaka
Published: 13 May 2024, 21: 50

Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud addresses an event

The US visa policy for the citizens of Bangladesh and sanctions on Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) officials have affected the relations between Dhaka and Washington, thinks foreign minister Hasan Mahmud.

He said the issues will be discussed during the visit of US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu.

The foreign minister on Monday made the remarks while responding to a question of a newsperson on the upcoming visit of Donald Lu in Bangladesh.

Asked about the thorny issues in the bilateral relations of the two countries, Hasan Mahmud, also joint general secretary of governing Bangladesh Awami League said relations between Bangladesh and the US are very sound. When Sheikh Hasina was elected Prime Minister for the fourth straight term, the US President wrote a letter to her expressing his interest to advance the relations to a new height. Dhaka will work together with whoever visits here from the US administration. There are economic relations and we have cooperation in many sectors.

Speaking about the sanctions on RAB officials and the visa policy, the foreign minister said, "We will discuss US Visa policy and sanctions on RAB officials. We have already discussed the matter of withdrawing or relaxing those when US White House and state department officials visited here earlier … so these issues will come up naturally (this time). Both the countries are working to advance the relations" he said.

The US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Donald Lu, is scheduled to arrive on a two-day visit in Dhaka Tuesday.

On the second day of his visit, Lu will hold a bilateral meeting with foreign secretary Masud Bin Momen. Later, he will pay a courtesy call on foreign minister Hasan Mahmud, and prime minister's private industry and investment advisor Salman F Rahman.

Replying to a question on Rohingya repatriation, the foreign minister said Dhaka wants to begin Rohingya repatriation as Myanmar's internal conflict cannot be an excuse for delaying the repatriation process.

However, he said it is true that the current situation in Arakan creates a barrier to repatriation to some extent, but conflict is always there in Myanmar.

"We are always in engagement with Myanmar. We want to see the commencement of repatriation at least. I made the same urge to the Myanmar foreign minister at a meeting during his Uganda visit. The minister expressed his goodwill in this regard," he added.

When asked about key opposition BNP's politics over the call for boycotting Indian products, Hasan Mahmud said this call of the BNP has stumbled. The country that shares a border of several thousand kilometres with Bangladesh, our development is never possible without maintaining good relations with that country. It is also not possible either to maintain peace and stability.​

 

[Saif]

Donald Lu in city: Dhaka to focus on economy, trade

Dhaka’s priority will be trade and economy, while Washington’s will be security, especially advancing partnership under its Indo-Pacific Strategy, as US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Donald Lu holds meetings with the government high-ups today.

www.thedailystar.net

Donald Lu in city: Dhaka to focus on economy, trade

US Assistant Secretary Donald Lu. Photo: Reuters

Dhaka's priority will be trade and economy, while Washington's will be security, especially advancing partnership under its Indo-Pacific Strategy, as US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Donald Lu holds meetings with the government high-ups today.

According to diplomatic sources and analysts, Washington is focused on strengthening its relations with the Indo-Pacific nations keeping China in mind, though it says it does not target any specific country.

Following the visits to India and Sri Lanka since May 10, Lu arrived in Dhaka yesterday morning and held a meeting with civil society members where he discussed human rights, labour rights, environment, gender, and media freedom.

Last night, he also met Prime Minister's Adviser on Private Industry and Investment Salman F Rahman at his residence. Today, he will hold a meeting with Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and call on Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud and Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury.

"His trip will strengthen bilateral cooperation with each country and demonstrate US support for a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region," according to a statement issued by the US State Department ahead of Lu's visit to India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.

At a recent briefing in Dhaka, Maxwell Martin, political officer at the US embassy in Dhaka, said Washington wants to see Bangladesh as a net security provider, meaning that the country can support regional countries in terms of security as the country has the capacity.

"We would hope that Bangladesh sees the Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) as an opportunity to cooperate with us and our partners to help address some of Bangladesh's security concerns," he said.

Washington's push for democracy, human rights, and good governance is also part of the US-led IPS, Martin said, referring to last year's US public statements on free and fair elections.

The US last year announced a visa policy for Bangladesh, saying those undermining democratic elections would be denied US visas. Earlier in 2021, it imposed sanctions on Rab and some of its officials.

Nilanthi Samaranayake, a visiting expert at the US Institute of Peace (USIP) and adjunct fellow at the East-West Center in Washington, in an article on April 30 said while the US raised the temperature on Bangladesh regarding the conduct of its election process before January, it appears to now be focused on the way forward in the relationship.

"As a result, a discussion about Dhaka signing the ACSA and the GSOMIA is worth reengaging on ahead of annual partner dialogues between the two countries," she wrote.

Prof Obaidul Haque, of Dhaka University's international relations department, said Lu may press for signing the two agreements -- Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) on logistics and the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) -- to advance security and defence relationship.

"I don't think that Dhaka will sign the agreements now. It has a certain level of reluctance about it," he told The Daily Star yesterday.

In an email interview, Samaranayake said Dhaka is likely taking its time to study the specifics of the agreements and understand its options.

"The US agreements are bilateral and do not prevent Bangladesh from having partnerships with other countries such as China. Bangladesh's foreign policy approach is seen as open to multiple partnerships."

Meanwhile, Dhaka would be seeking funding under the US International Finance Corporation (IFC) amid challenges of depleting foreign currency reserves. Bangladesh is already getting funding from the IMF.

Washington earlier told Dhaka that funding from the DFC is conditioned to the improvement of labour rights. Dhaka recently amended the labour law and is working on more reforms, said foreign ministry officials.

Besides, as a climate vulnerable country, Bangladesh needs huge funding from the developed countries. Bangladesh's annual funding requirement is of $9 billion for climate change initiatives, but the government allocates only $3 billion, resulting in a shortfall of $6 billion.

"We need funding as well as technologies. We would seek greater US contribution towards this. Also, the US has been the largest donor for Rohingyas, and we would seek their support for them," said a government official.

Bangladesh would also seek investments from the US, the single largest export market for Bangladesh.

Former ambassador M Humayun Kabir said Washington has great economic interests in Bangladesh, including in the oil and gas sectors.

US oil-gas company ExxonMobil has expressed interest in exploring oil and gas reserves in Bangladesh's offshore blocks.

"We need to decide everything from the view of our national interest," said Humayun.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladeshi fuchka is the best: Donald Lu

The US Embassy in Dhaka has shared a brief video appreciating the taste of Bangladeshi fuchka

www.thedailystar.net

Bangladeshi fuchka is the best: Donald Lu

Photo: Screengrab

The US Embassy in Dhaka has shared a brief video appreciating the taste of Bangladeshi fuchka.

Visiting US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu together with US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas were seen in the video.

"Bangladeshi fuchka is the best," they were heard saying while tasting fuchka together.

"East or West, Fuchka is the best! Guess what's cooking! We teamed up with celebrity chef Rahima Sultana to create a fusion of flavors with Fuchka and Jhalmuri! Are you ready for this epic culinary adventure? Enjoy the sneak peak and stay tuned for the full video!," read a message tagged with the tiny video.

Lu arrived here on Tuesday morning to "strengthen bilateral cooperation" and to demonstrate US support for a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.​

 

[Saif]

United States views Bangladesh through its own lens

Discover the latest insights on US-Bangladesh relations and the impact of Indian influence on US foreign policy in the region. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the perspectives of US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, Donald Lu, on key issues such as human rights...

en.prothomalo.com

Interview: Donald Lu
United States views Bangladesh through its own lens

There is a prevalent belief in Bangladesh that Washington views Dhaka's actions through the lens of Delhi's interests. A recent claim by a former Indian diplomat supports this notion, suggesting that the US refrained from exerting pressure on Bangladesh due to India's influence. What is your perspective?Tensions prevailed in US-Bangladesh relations last year centering the 7 January parliamentary election in Bangladesh this year. Th US now wants to look ahead rather than at the past. However, the US remains firm in its stance concerning democracy and human rights. The visiting US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, Donald Lu, made these comments during an interview Wednesday evening.

Raheed EjazDhaka
Published: 16 May 2024, 12: 10

US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, Donald Lu, during the interviewProthom Alo

Prothom Alo : Now that the election in Bangladesh is over, both countries are shifting focus towards enhancing ties and increasing engagement in various sectors such as trade, climate change and security. Has the US chosen to set aside governance and human rights issues as sources of bilateral tensions?

Donald Lu: We have some very difficult issues in our relationship. It is no secret that last year there was a lot of tension over the election issues. In addition, we are working on RAB sanctions together. We are talking about a whole range of human rights issues. We are taking about improvements in the business environment. These are complex things. Labour rights, for example. We are working on these issues together. We have made slow progress and it takes time.

What I have said to the government is, in addition of the difficult issues, let us also find some new areas f cooperation. Let's try to find a positive agenda because my belief is if we can do some positive things like increasing the number of students going back and forward between our countries, increasing investment in trade, finding ways to work on clean energy so that Bangladesh can improve its environment and fuel economic growth. If we can so these things, I think it will make the hard issues easier to solve.

Human Rights Watch said last year that RAB had dramatically reduced the number of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances. That's great. It's really good progress. Having said that, we still have concerns. We see that other branches of the law enforcement community are still committing some of these crimes

Prothom Alo : Could you provide an update on lifting sanctions on RAB since Bangladesh seems to be actively addressing the issue of extrajudicial killings? What is the US assessment?

Donald Lu: The sanctions against RAB remain in place. I was here a year ago and at that time we talked about the statement that the Human Rights Watch had made about RAB. Human Rights Watch said last year that RAB had dramatically reduced the number of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances. That's great. It's really good progress. Having said that, we still have concerns. We see that other branches of the law enforcement community are still committing some of these crimes. We also are waiting to see if there is going to be accountability for past crimes that RAB may have committed.
I know the government of Bangladesh is impatient about the process. We have a process in place. What strikes me is, last year it was noted that the numbers went down dramatically of killings and disappearances. To me that says that RAB can conduct its important charter as a mission and law enforcement mission without human rights abuses. And through that, I hope Bangladeshi people are also happy.

Prothom Alo : There have been complaints from various countries including Bangladesh regarding the human rights situation in the US. How does the US administration respond to such concerns, particularly in light of its own human rights reporting on other nations?

Donald Lu: Let me say as an American, we Americans should be humble. We have human rights problems in our country. And it is true, we point out human rights problems when we see them in Bangladesh and we expect Bangladesh, as a partner as ours, if they see problems, they should point it out to us. I have two children both in university now and I hear a lot of complaints from my kids about what's going in the United States.

Let me say from my perspective in government, we have had thousands of demonstrations in my country over the past weeks about the situation in Israel and Gaza. Almost all of those demonstrations have been peaceful and have been allowed to go on normally and we have respected freedom of assembly, freedom of speech. There are a few that have resulted in violence, vandalism and hate speech. As our president has said, there is no space for hate speech in America. In those cases police have been involved and in some cases people have been arrested. I know some Bangladeshis and some Americans have questioned whether the police have responded always to violence, or maybe they over-responded. In places where there are accusations of police over-response, there is an investigation. If police have acted with more force than necessary, people will be held accountable. That is what happens in a democracy and we appreciate that our Bangladeshi friends remind us of our obligations.

We want you to have positive relations with all the countries that you interact with, including China. But we also want you to have normal relations, relations not defined by coercion or pressure or unusual debt conditions.

Prothom Alo : The opposition BNP in Bangladesh claims that, influenced by Indian mediation the US has softened its stance on the 12th parliamentary election. What is your take on those claims made by BNP leaders?

Donald Lu: That is ridiculous. We are a big country. We pursue our interests around the world. Nobody tells the United States what to do, we don't tell Bangladesh what to do. This idea what we have acted in a way because other countries have told us, could not be further from the truth. We are very committed to supporting the will of Bangladeshi people to have free and fair elections, to have non-violent elections, and last year we took several steps to encourage that. We ended up sanctioning police, members of the opposition and members of the ruling party who were engaged in violence or oppression. We also spoke in favour of meaningful dialogue between BNP and Awami League. We spoke out in favour of freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. That is normal. We do that around this region and we will continue to uphold those values in Bangladesh.

Prothom Alo : There is a prevalent belief in Bangladesh that Washington views Dhaka's actions through the lens of Delhi's interests. A recent claim by a former Indian diplomat supports this notion, suggesting that the US refrained from exerting pressure on Bangladesh due to India's influence. What is your perspective?

David Lu: America views its interests in Bangladesh through the lens of America's interests. We don't look at it through the lens of China's interests or India's interests or Russia's interests. We have important interests here and we have direct discussions with our Bangladeshi frends and I think those are productive and useful discussions.

It is true that America and India are talking all the time. We are talking about things that happen in the region, in Sri Lanka, in Maldives, in Nepal and sometimes in Bangladesh. I would say that sometimes America influences Indian policy and sometimes India influences American policy. That's what we call diplomacy. We are doing that with countries all throughout this region. It is perfectly normal. But we look at our interests through American values and American priorities.

Prothom Alo : In recent years the influence of China is growing around the world, including South Asia. Recently the election of Maldives reflected such a phenomenon. After signing the deal for the Belt and Road Initiative BRI, China is now eager to sign the Global Development Initiative GDI and Global Security Initiative GSI with Bangladesh. How does the US assess growing Chinese influence in this region?

Donald Lu: We always tell our partners, we do not ask you to choose. We want you to have positive relations with all the countries that you interact with, including China. But we also want you to have normal relations, relations not defined by coercion or pressure or unusual debt conditions. Where we can see that people have good relations and normal relations with China, is when other countries compete.

I was US ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic. Nobody was competing there. Only China was investing in the Kyrgyz Republic. They did some very bad projects, huge expensive projects that went nowhere and did not provide benefits to the Kyrgyz people. In Kazakhstan next door, western countries – Japan, South Korea, Australia, United States – all of us were competing. The number one investor in Kazakhstan is Holland, number two is the United States. China is number eight. And when China is number eight, China competes normally. It has normal loans. It has normal Kazakh people working in their companies, not bringing in Chinese labour. All I am trying to say is for China to be a good partner of Bangladesh, we need to offer competition for investment, for defence equipment, competition for ideas, for education. The United States would like to compete.

Prothom Alo : How does the US evaluate the situation in Rakhine, and Cox's Bazar, and the ongoing conflict between the Myanmar military and the resistance forces, particularly concerning the heightened risk of human trafficking, drug trafficking and terrorists, as well as the impact of this on Rohingya repatriation and regional security?

Donald Lu: I had the opportunity to travel to the Rohingya camp in Cox's Bazar last year and I was really moved by the experience. It's the largest refugee camp in the world. I am particularly moved by the generosity and compassion of the Bangladeshi people. You have welcomed a million people into your country. It is a burden for Bangladeshi people. We want to share that burden. The US is the largest single donor providing assistance to not only the refugees, but we also provide assistance to the Bangladeshi families who live near the refugees. We make a commitment to continue that assistance and to increase that assistance to make sure that all the people of this region –refugees as well as Bangladeshi families are able to live a normal, healthy and safe life.

We are a little concerned that other donors are not contributing enough money. So we talked to the foreign minister today and the foreign secretary about how we can work together – the Bangladesh government and the US, to try to go to other places around the world and ask them to contribute to this important effort.

I am worried. I can see the violence in the Rakhine state. I can see the terrible conditions that exist now in Myanmar. I believe it will be very difficult today for people to go back safely. The UN and all of us who are part of the UN family are trying very hard to create the conditions for the safe return of the refugees. Until then, we are asking Bangladesh to be patient, to continue to support this very vulnerable population.

We had a great discussion today about how we can improve the lives of refugees by providing some ability for them to make money to support themselves inside the camp, services for other refugees, or handicrafts or something to help them. We have also talked about the tents that they live in. How can we make them safer and more durable for the monsoon season. I see the commitment of the government, of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, to support these refugees. We are grateful to her and to the Bangladeshi people every day for what they do for the refugees.

Prothom Alo : Thank you.

Donald Lu: Thank you too.​

 

[Saif]

Donald Lu speaks of putting bitterness aside and taking relations ahead

US makes no secret of is discomfort over China’s steadily growing influence in the region. For quite some years now Bangladesh’s relations with China have strengthened. Presently, Bangladesh is in talks with China for a loan equivalent to USD 5 billion in Chinese currency. Under such...

en.prothomalo.com

Donald Lu speaks of putting bitterness aside and taking relations ahead

Raheed EjazDhaka
Published: 17 May 2024, 11: 30

US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, Donald LuProthom Alo

The United States had wanted to see free and fair elections in Bangladesh. They went as far as to take stern measures such as imposing visa restrictions to this end, stirring tensions and unease in relations between the two countries. On his recent visit to Bangladesh, the US Assistant Secretary of State for Central and South Asia, Donald Lu, unhesitatingly admitted this. However, putting aside the issue of whether the elections were fair or the human rights situation has improved, he made it clear that the US was interested in taking relations with Bangladesh ahead.

In this backdrop, it was seen that the US has adopted a softer stance towards Bangladesh. Diplomatic sources of the two countries say that this visit of Donald Lu has reflected that the US is focusing on advancing its relations with Bangladesh. It wants to put past bitterness aside and strengthen ties anew. Economy tops the list of US priorities in taking the relations ahead. Economic issues featured in Donald Lu's discussions with senior officials of the Bangladesh government as well as with representatives of the civil society.

Four months after the general election in Bangladesh, Donald Lu arrived in Dhaka in 7 May on a two-day visit. Earlier, before the election, he visited Bangladesh twice last year, in January and in July.

Evaluating this trip of Donald Lu, analysts of diplomatic affairs say that the US makes no secret of is discomfort over China's steadily growing influence in the region. For quite some years now Bangladesh's relations with China have strengthened. Presently, Bangladesh is in talks with China for a loan equivalent to USD 5 billion in Chinese currency. Under such circumstances, the US does not want differences with Bangladesh over democracy and good governance to grow further. Given the geopolitical and geo-economic circumstances, it does not feel that it is realistic to hold on to its previous stern stand. It wants to normalize relations and place importance on economic cooperation at the moment.

The issue of Bangladesh's economy came up repeatedly in Donald Lu's discussions this time, at various government and non-government levels. During talks with the civil society last Tuesday, he tried to understand the present economic situation of Bangladesh. After listening to the views of the civil society representatives, he highlighted he views of the US in this regard. He even drew on the example of Sri Lanka, saying that the US did not want Bangladesh to face any such predicament.

On the first day of his trip to Bangladesh, Donald Lu attended a dinner hosted by Salman F Rahman, the prime minister's advisor on private industry and investment. At the dinner he spoke about the shortfall in Bangladesh's foreign exchange reserves. He wanted to know why there was delay in releasing the funds of the US companies operating in Bangladesh. But he did not create any pressure in this regard, diplomatic sources say. He spoke about being aware of Bangladesh forex reserve situation.

The gamut of relations between the two countries is very wide. The relations were not solely restricted to issues of democracy and good governance. For quite some time Washington has been saying that economy is an important factor in cooperation---M Humayun Kabir, former Bangladesh ambassador to the US and director of Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI)

In his interview with this correspondent, the US assistant secretary of state Donald Lu spoke about cooperation between the two countries, highlighting his country's eagerness to work with Bangladesh on good financial governance and eradicating corruption. He told the media that he was endeavouring to reestablish trust in the relations between the two countries.

Speaking about what message was conveyed by this visit of Donald Lu, former Bangladesh ambassador to the US, director of Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI) M Humayun Kabir said the gamut of relations between the two countries is very wide. The relations were not solely restricted to issues of democracy and good governance. For quite some time Washington has been saying that economy is an important factor in cooperation. The matters of foreign currency reserves, reforms of the tax policy, the investment and business environment came forward. When the US ambassador visits Bangladesh Bank and talks to officials there, it is clear that the US has economic issues in its consideration.​

 

[Saif]

Message from Donald Lu’s visit: Reset, rebuild, and strengthen

Although Donald Lu had visited Bangladesh more than once before the general election, this was his first visit after the polls.

www.thedailystar.net

Message from Donald Lu's visit: Reset, rebuild, and strengthen

Photo: Collected

The words "reset," "rebuild", and "strengthen" normally imply the use of mechanical tools to reconstruct something that needs repair. However, the same words—when put in the context of diplomacy—can, and do, have the same connotations. During the just-concluded visit to Dhaka by the US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Donald Lu, these words appeared in various forms at briefings from both sides. This daily saw this as "an apparent policy reset" by Washington, and did so with an abundance of logic.

The comments to the media by the Adviser to the Prime Minister for Private Investments Salman F Rahman, following his dinner for Mr Lu, were very much on the upbeat side. Both the adviser and the state minister for information sounded exuberantly happy with whatever was talked and not talked about at the dinner table, where some current and former cabinet members were also present.

While talking to the media following his meeting with Dr Hasan Mahmud, the Bangladesh Foreign Minister, Mr Lu did not mince his words when he said the US administration's "hard work" to promote a free, fair and nonviolent election in January this year "caused some tensions here," but was also explicit that it was now time "to look forward and not look back." He also made it known that Washington is now seeking to "rebuild the trust in its relations between our peoples and in its relations with Dhaka." In essence, he admitted that certain moves from his government prior to the election did cause a perceptible dip in the element of trust.

Although Donald Lu had visited Bangladesh more than once before the general election, this was his first visit after the polls. In fact, this was the first visit to Dhaka from anyone at this level from Washington after the January 7 election.

While sending positive signals in general on the future of the bilateral ties between Bangladesh and the United States, Mr Lu also highlighted his government's plans to work together to fight corruption, promote transparency of governments and accountability of officials, labour reforms, human rights and reforms in the business climate. There was no clear answer to issues like lifting the sanctions on RAB (although a US government representative later clarified that the sanctions would not be lifted) as well as visa restrictions—both of which were imposed before the elections. There were a lot of speculations about the US position on these issues.

Mr Lu also spent an hour with the Minister of Environment Saber Hossain Chowdhury. Climate change and the ill effects of global warning for a country like Bangladesh are all too well-known. However, the US's offer of free real-time use of satellite data to monitor the impact of climate change has raised questions among some observers about if the offer was related to just monitoring climate change. Only time will tell.

By any measure, the optics emerging from Donald Lu's visit were good, and both sides have had much to feel pleased about. But as the saying goes, "the devil is in the details."

It is clear that Washington has decided to take the election issue out of the bilateral agenda. However, in the current and emerging global scenario, geopolitics has acquired a much greater place. When an official of the level of US assistant secretary of state talks of his government's wish to deepen its ties with Bangladesh, it is actually an expression of an intent, not necessarily an end in itself. Bringing that intent into a mutually acceptable level of fruition is the real challenge for both sides.

Bangladesh's relationship with the United States is no longer confined within the bilateral framework. The real canvas is much larger—it is the Indo-Pacific domain and how the US would want to see Bangladesh fit into this bigger picture.

According to some US officials and analysts, the US has a huge stake in Bangladesh for the former's Indo-Pacific strategy. In this, the relationship between the two countries has to have the elements of give-and-take and of reciprocity built into it. This involves mature diplomacy, a realistic and forward-looking mindset, and sustained engagement at all levels. Major global players are all too aware that Bangladesh today is in a position to exercise a good measure of autonomy in determining the course of its foreign and security policies, and to protect and preserve its national, political, and economic interests while maintaining strategic balance with its friends, both near and far. The visit of the Indian foreign secretary to Dhaka just a few days prior to that of Donald Lu also needs to be seen in that context. One can be sure that there will be others.

Donald Lu's visit can be seen as a first step in Washington's desire to reset its ties with Bangladesh, keeping the larger canvas in mind. How Bangladesh prepares itself for this scenario is something one needs to wait and see. The task, though, is by no means easy, and the challenges are many but not insurmountable.

Shamsher M Chowdhury, Bir Bikram, is president of Trinamool BNP and a former foreign secretary of Bangladesh.​

 

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Americans have tricked quite a few peoples for a material benefit.

There many things China, Russia, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, UK, Sweden, South Africa, Mexico, Brazil, and Japan do better than USA. Even India who are our enemy does quite a few things better than USA.