High-Level US Delegation Set to Visit Dhaka This Month

A senior-level delegation from the United States is expected to visit Bangladesh this month for discussions with the interim government on advancing bilateral relations in the evolving political landscape.

Diplomatic sources confirmed on Tuesday that both countries are currently finalizing the details of the visit, which will be the first from the US since the interim government, led by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, took office on August 8.

The delegation is likely to arrive in Dhaka before Professor Yunus departs for New York to attend the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, according to a source familiar with the discussions.

US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Donald Lu, is expected to be a key member of the delegation. Lindsey W. Ford, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for South and Southeast Asia, will also be part of the team, according to the diplomatic source.

Ford's role involves advising senior leaders at the Department of Defense on defense strategies and plans for the South and Southeast Asia region. Her responsibilities include managing bilateral security relations with India and other South Asian countries, excluding Afghanistan, as well as Southeast Asian nations.

In addition, Brent Neiman, the US Deputy Under Secretary for International Finance at the Department of the Treasury, may join the delegation. There is also speculation that a representative from USAID might be included.

During the visit, the US delegation is expected to meet with Chief Adviser Professor Yunus, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, and Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, among other engagements.

When asked for more details, a source in Washington said, "You'll need to wait a few days. There's nothing more to share at this moment."