A high-level delegation from the United States has embarked on a three-day visit to Dhaka, engaging in a series of meetings aimed at bolstering diplomatic relations and addressing regional challenges.

The delegation, comprising Special Assistant to the US President Eileen Laubacher, US National Security Council Senior Director for South Asia Michael Schiffer, and US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Afrin Akhtar, arrived in Dhaka on Saturday morning. Their agenda includes discussions with political parties, civil society groups, and labor leaders, with a focus on promoting mutual interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

During their visit, the US representatives are slated to meet with government officials, including the Foreign Secretary and Prime Minister's Advisor, to further diplomatic ties and explore avenues for collaboration. Additionally, engagements with youth activists, civil society organizations, and media stakeholders are planned to foster dialogue and cooperation on shared objectives.

The visit marks the first high-level US delegation engagement with Bangladesh since the 12th Parliament elections, underscoring the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation between the two countries. Discussions are expected to encompass a range of issues, including human rights, climate change, regional resilience, and economic reforms.

Notably, USAID Assistant Administrator Michael Schiffer signed an agreement with representatives of the private sector in Bangladesh during the visit, aiming to enhance employment opportunities and youth skill development in the country.

Shahir Chowdhury, Chief Executive Officer of Education Technology Company 'Sikho', signed the MoU as a representative of the private sector. USAID Bangladesh Mission Director Reid Ashliman was present at this time. The purpose of this initiative is to achieve prosperity in the country through the employment of youth.

Michael Schiffer said, “If the young people can develop the skills that are in demand in the market, they will establish the country as a more competitive and next Asian tiger 'Royal Bengal Tiger'. At the same time, it will play a role in making it a prosperous country by ensuring equal opportunities for all.”

Later, Afrin Akhtar, a member of the US delegation, met with the labor representatives of Bangladesh. She was also accompanied by Michael Schiffer, Labor Attaché of the United States Embassy in Dhaka, Mission Director of USAID and others. The group held a meeting at the head office of the Bangladesh Center for Workers Solidarity (BCWS) and Bangladesh Garment and Industrial Workers Federation (BGIWF) in Rampura, Dhaka.

When asked about the meeting, BCWS Executive Director and BGIWF President Kalpana Akhtar said, “We had a meeting with the delegation at our head office in Rampura. There were 10-12 people in the group. Afrin and another person spoke to me.”

“There was a discussion about the killing of Gazipur labor leader Shahidul Islam. The US officials wanted to know whether the investigation is being done properly or not, and how far the progress is. Apart from this, we have talked about the reform of labor laws. When asked at what stage it is, I said it is now in Parliament. The government is working on it,” she added.

The US Embassy in Dhaka's post on social media about the meeting with labor representatives said the United States supports the people of Bangladesh to organize and advance their collective bargaining rights. We are pleased to meet with labor rights leaders as they continue to courageously press for freedom of association, collective bargaining rights, and standard wages for workers in Bangladesh. President Biden's Global Labor Policy is committed to advancing workers' rights around the world.

According to the itinerary, delegation leader Eileen Laubacher will hold a formal meeting with Foreign Secretary Masoud Bin Momen on Sunday at noon. PM's private industry and investment advisor Salman F Rahman will meet in the afternoon.

​(The report was published on print and online versions of The Bangladesh Pratidin on February 25 and rewritten in English by Tanvir Raihan) ​​