US delegation arrives to strengthen diplomatic ties: Embassy 

A US delegation comprising high officials of National Security Council, State Department and USAID has arrived in Dhaka on a three-day official visit to discuss ways to further strengthen diplomatic ties with Dhaka. 

"The three principals will discuss with the government of Bangladesh ways to strengthen diplomatic ties, address challenges, and promote a shared vision for the advancement of mutual interests in the Indo-Pacific region," said a media note of the US embassy.

US Department of State Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia (SCA) Afreen Akhter, who is among the visiting delegates, met with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury at The Westin Dhaka. 

US Ambassador Peter Haas was also present at the meeting.  

Later, a social media post of the US embassy read, "Engaging in constructive dialogue is key to understanding different perspectives and finding common ground.  

"We welcomed a fruitful discussion with BNP's secretary general about the current political landscape in Bangladesh and the thousands of opposition members in prison. Looking forward to continued engagement."

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Amir Khasru said they were invited to have a talk and there's nothing more to say in this regard.

Asked if the 7 January election was discussed or if the BNP leaders' time in jail was brought up, Khasru said, "The only answer [I can give you] is there is nothing to say."

The delegation is expected to meet Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud tomorrow. 

Their visit will also include meetings with youth activists and civil society leaders, labour organisers, and those engaged in developing a free and uncensored media, said the US embassy. 

"The United States remains committed to partnering with Bangladesh to advance our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, to supporting human rights, addressing climate change, advancing regional resilience to transnational threats, and promoting economic reforms," added the media note. 

Besides Afreen Akhter, Special Assistant to the US President and US National Security Council (NSC) Senior Director for South Asia Eileen Laubacher, USAID Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Asia, Michael Schiffer are the members of the delegation visiting Dhaka from 24-26 February. 

On Thursday, Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud said that Bangladesh-US relations would further deepen and be strengthened with the visit of US officials to Bangladesh.

"Their (US) officials' visit to Bangladesh (in the coming days) would make the relations deeper and wider," he added.

Mahmud said the letter sent by US President Joe Biden to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is important to take forward the relations between the two countries. 

This is the first visit by US officials after Bangladesh's January 7 national election.