Ready to do whatever necessary

Head of US official Donald Lu’s visit, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen yesterday said Bangladesh stands ready to do whatever necessary for the people’s welfare, noting that the government is still looking into the issues related to US Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS).

“It’s not that transparent. It’s not mentioned there how it will bring benefits. We are studying,” he told reporters while talking about the IPS and its economic component.

Donald Lu, who became assistant secretary of state for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs on September 15, 2021, is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka today, wrapping up his India tour.

“We will raise our issues. It’s very normal to have good relations between Bangladesh and the United States,” Momen said.

Donald Lu will have meetings on a range of priorities including energy, trade, security cooperation, religious freedom, labour, and human rights.

He will meet with senior Bangladeshi officials and civil society leaders to discuss strengthening their bilateral relationship, expanding economic engagement, and hear their perspectives on labour and human rights, according to the US Department of State.

Momen said Bangladesh and the US believe in the same values and promote democracy and human rights.

Bangladesh has set an example in the world by sacrificing 30 lakh lives to establish democracy, and ensure justice and human rights, Momen said, adding that “Our principles and values are almost the same.”

He said the US is a friendly country and Bangladesh accepts if they come up with any constructive suggestions.