Earlier in August, a top UN delegation from Geneva visited Dhaka to discuss the modalities of an investigation into the violence centering the student-people movement, as well as the involvement of the UN in the democratic reform of Bangladesh.
Last year, the US imposed visa restrictions in a bid to ensure a free and fair election in Bangladesh, creating tension between Dhaka and Washington. The Sheikh Hasina government came to power through a one-sided election on 7 January.
Both sides, however, were keen to improve bilateral relations despite their disagreements on democracy and human rights, for this, the Biden administration hinted at strengthening the ties by sending a high-level delegation to Dhaka in February this year.
But a student-people movement toppled the Sheikh Hasina government in just eight months after she had come to power for the fourth consecutive term.
It has been learned after contacting Dhaka and Washington that, like in February, the US delegation will also consist of representatives from the US National Security Council, State Department, Treasury and international donor agencies.
Lindsey W Ford, deputy assistant secretary of Defense for South and Southeast Asia, and Donald Lu, assistant secretary Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, will be in the delegation.
This will be Donald Lu’s second visit to Dhaka this year. He first visited Bangladesh in May this year.