US diplomat Donald Lu arrives in Dhaka after Delhi visit

He will discuss key economic and diplomatic issues with government officials

The US State Department’s key diplomat for Bangladesh Donald Lu has arrived in Dhaka to hold discussions with the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.

Lu, the assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asian Affairs, landed in Dhaka on Saturday afternoon after concluding his visit to Delhi.

Upon his arrival at Dhaka's Shahjalal International Airport, he was greeted by Samia Israt Ronee, director of the North America division of the foreign ministry.

In a statement released on Saturday evening, the ministry said Brandon Lynch, the assistant US trade representative for South and Central Asia, is accompanying Lu.

To lead the delegation, Brent Neiman, assistant Treasury secretary for international finance, had already arrived in Dhaka on Saturday morning.

The US Embassy in Dhaka reported that Neiman had a meeting with a delegation from the American Chamber of Commerce.

The delegation will meet Chief Advisor Yunus and discuss bilateral issues. They will also meet Finance and Commerce Advisor Salehuddin Ahmed.

Foreign Advisor Touhid Hossain said US Treasury and National Security Council officials will stay in Bangladesh longer than Lu.

He added the discussions will primarily focus on financial and trade matters.

Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin told reporters on Thursday, “I can only say that the arrival of the US delegation after the formation of the interim government reflects the importance the United States places on its relationship with Bangladesh.”

He mentioned that the composition of the US delegation suggests a broad and multi-dimensional dialogue.

“It will not be limited to just a specific issue. In line with this, we are also preparing on our end. Our team will be similarly aligned,” he added.