Post-election democratic situation, climate issues, press freedom, labour rights and forex crisis dominated discussion as Bangladesh civil-society representatives paid hearing to US Asst Secretary of State Donald Lu who started his Dhaka mission Tuesday.
The meeting, held at the residence of the US Ambassador in Dhaka, was attended by eight representatives of the civil society, who often raise voice on these matters.
They are editor of the Daily Star Mahfuz Anam, labour-rights activist Kalpana Akhter, rights activist Nur Ahmed Liton, climate activist Sohanur Rahaman, and Mahmuda Akhter Monisa.
Mr Lu "explained his thoughts about democracy and human rights during the exchange of views", one of the participants in the meeting said.
Preferring anonymity, he also mentioned that the US assistant foreign minister underscored the need for freedom of press, and freedom of movement.
Talking to the media after the meeting was over, Sohanur said the role of the youth in addressing the climate-change impacts in Bangladesh was also discussed.
According to meeting sources the present economic situation, specifically the dollar crisis, also came up for discussion.
The US diplomat is scheduled to meet foreign minister Dr Hasan Mahmud and foreign secretary Masud Bin Momen today (Wednesday).
mirmostafiz@yahoo.com