Why is Donald Lu’s Dhaka visit so crucial?

In a major diplomatic development, United States Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu arrived in Dhaka from India on Saturday evening on a two-day visit.

His aim is to strengthen bilateral relations and expand economic engagement between Dhaka and Washington.  

He is scheduled to sit in a number of meetings with Bangladesh officials and even with civil society members. 

In fact, he has already had a meeting over dinner with Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen at his residence on Saturday night.  

Although it was seen as a dinner, the key issues of bilateral relations were discussed during Lu's over one-hour stay at the official residence of the foreign minister, a diplomatic source said.  

Experts and diplomatic analysts think the agenda in the next meetings may include human rights, the security issue of US ambassador Peter Haas and the next general election of Bangladesh. 

Before Lu’s arrival in Dhaka, the State Department on January 10 said that “while in Bangladesh, Lu will meet with senior Bangladeshi officials and civil society leaders to discuss strengthening our bilateral relationship, expanding economic engagement and hear their perspectives on labor and human rights.”

Earlier on Saturday, Momen said Bangladesh would request the US to reconsider the sanctions imposed on RAB and withdraw them considering the force's positive role in the country. 

"RAB is much more mature now. We will have a request that they (US) should reconsider the decision," he told reporters at Dhaka University. 

"We will raise our issues. They will raise their issues. But others don't need to teach us democracy. Democracy, human rights and justice are rooted in each of our hearts," the minister said. 

A highly-placed foreign ministry official told therreport.live on Saturday evening that everything during Lu’s visit is important. 

BNP leaders will also sit with Lu to highlight what they call enforced disappearance, police harassment, repression and attack on the party men among other issues.  

Analysts suggest such meetings be held regularly between the highest policy-making level of both countries.