What may transpire in talks becomes a buzz as United States assistant secretary of state Donald Lu is scheduled to arrive here today, on his first trip after Bangladesh polls.
Mr Lu, who is in charge of the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs and one of the key strategists of the US State Department in devising its South Asia policies, is scheduled to meet with government officials, civil-society leaders and other Bangladeshis discussing bilateral cooperation, climate crisis and ways to deepen economic ties during his tour.
This will be his fourth visit to Dhaka which is expected to "strengthen bilateral cooperation with each country and demonstrate U.S. support for a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region", a spokesman for the US State Department said in the run-up to the tour.
Asked about the visit, foreign minister Dr Hasan Mahmud told newsmen Monday that issues like sanctions on RAB and visa restrictions will come up during discussions with the veteran US diplomat.
"This visit will also highlight ways and means to further enhance the strong bilateral ties between the two countries," he added.
The FM parried a question whether awarding offshore energy blocks to US companies could be discussed too, and said issues related to economic cooperation would also get priority during discussions with Mr Lu.
Rohingya issue will also feature talks, said an official, adding that the ongoing civil war in Myanmar and its implications in the regional geopolitics will eventually come up.
According to analysts, Bangladesh, which has been often blamed for human-rights violations by the US administration, will be in a comfortable position this time as the US itself is being severely criticised by others for its backing to Israel which has been engaged in "sheer violation of human rights" in Gaza since October last year.
Many felt that the visit would have geopolitical implications as the US eyes greater engagement of Bangladesh in its Indo-Pacific Strategy, often dubbed an instrument to erode China's growing influence in this region.
Meanwhile, prior to the last general election held in January this year, Mr Lu had issued letters to the top political parties of Bangladesh on US intent to see peaceful and participatory polls.
On Sunday, Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said the US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs was coming to Bangladesh to take ahead the relations between Bangladesh and the United States.
"Donald Lu is coming to take ahead the relations. He will talk to the government. But BNP is thinking absurd things that the US will again impose sanctions," he told a press conference at Awami League President Sheikh Hasina's Dhanmondi political office.
He said Donald Lu is coming to Bangladesh to follow up the letter sent by US President Joe Biden congratulating Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her reelection in the 12th national elections.
The Awami League general secretary quipped that BNP-their political archrival that stayed away from the election-"suddenly became very active" over the Donald Lu visit but his visit is a "usual one".
mirmostafiz@yahoo.com