US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu’s visit in Bangladesh was scheduled for two days; however, it has been completed in one day. From Sunday morning to midnight, he met all the relevant parties in Bangladesh and held meetings. During his conversations with them, he conveyed US approach to democracy, election, human rights, freedom of expression and political rights to everyone.

It was cleared in this visit that US keep positive mindset about cancelling sanctions on Rab. Besides, the officials in Dhaka have got idea about how the US-Bangladesh relations can be taken forward. According to the diplomatic sources, in the visit, Donald Lu mentioned about the socio-economic development of Bangladesh after getting independence. He gave commitment of continued US support and assistance in every future endeavor of Bangladesh.

In more than one points, on behalf of US, Donald Lu stresses on the political rights of everyone involved in country’s politics. Even, in a meeting with a minister, he thanked the government to give the permission to BNP in holding rally on December 10. In the discussion, the US official spoke about the allegations raised by the oppositions. In reply, Bangladesh said no country has flawless democracy, and even the US electoral system is not free of flaw or limitations. Besides, discussion were also held over GSP reinstatement and returning the killers of Bangabandhu from USA. Donald Lu emphasized on civil society voice to uphold the rights and dignity of the citizens.  

According to the sources, Donald Lu has been serving in his duty as foreign official of US government for 30 years. He has been appointed as US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs in September 2021. He visited a few countries in the region before, but it was his first visit to Dhaka.

About the visit of Donald Lu, home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal spoke to the journalists in his office of secretariat. He said they had a free and friendly discussion. Based on the discussion, he thinks US don’t want to stop the speed of Bangladesh’s advancement. US government wants to see Bangladesh as more enriched and progressive country. They want the human rights situation of the country in a very good place and a free, fair election.

Informing that their discussion included election, the home minister said, “Next polls will be held according to the current constitution of the country. Prior to 90 days of election, all of our powers go to election commission and they regulate everything of the government. Then, the ministers just carry on the routine work. So, we think the police force and others election-process related agencies are prepared to hold a fair election.”

He said, “They’ve applauded our giving permission to BNP to hold rallies. However, US government doesn’t support arson, vandalism or giving barricades in the streets in the name of movements.”

According to home minister, US think Bangladesh is on the right track that will lead to removal of US sanctions on Rab. The sanctions will soon be over if the elite force continue its works like what they’ve done in recent times.

Meanwhile, Awami League general secretary and Road Transport and Bridge Minister Obaidul Quader, from two separate rallies held on Monday, said. “We’ve told Donald Lu about holding free, fair and flawless election. Now, there’ll be no sanctions from US.”

@The report was published as lead story on print and online versions of The Bangladesh Pratidin on January 17 and rewritten in English by Lutful Hoque