Donald Lu, the US assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Affairs visited Bangladesh on May 14-15 as part of his 3-nation tour after India and Sri Lanka. That was his third visit to Bangladesh in the past 18 months. During the visit Lu candidly told the media that despite recent “tensions” with Bangladesh, it was important to move ahead by “restoring trust”. This undoubtedly a significant Foreign Policy initiative of the US government towards ‘resetting’ its relations with Bangladesh.

In contrast to Lu’s previous visit, prior to general elections held in last January, where Lu was widely considered unusually proactive, vocal and forceful, focused on a free, fair, and peaceful elections in Bangladesh. He simultaneously maintained that any irregularity, intimidation violence and wrongdoing would warrant immediate US visa sanction against the perpetrators in addition to emphasizing on politically  priority issues  such as human rights, corruption, rule of law .  Earlier, a letter from  the US government to all major political parties in this direction was handed by the local Mission. More strikingly, during that visit Lu met political leaders; cross section of civil society & media representatives  and called for a ‘dialogue’ among political parties.  Interestingly, one major political party along with its election alliance (mix of reactionary radical forces and few Left parties) of their own volition boycotted elections for the consecutive three national elections, disregarding Election Commission’s communications for dialogue/meeting  & call by the government party for election participation. However, that made the incumbent to win in the election held under constitutional obligation with a respectable participation of voters.

Arguably, the parties boycotted the election were in an aura of ascendency to power through an “Arab Spring” like situation at the behest of foreign intervention. Nothing of that kind happened and which resultantly made the opposition forces along with its followings in an utter frustration. And, in that process, it may essentially be considered that a kind of chasm created between the government of Bangladesh and the US administration. 

At this backdrop, the letter of the US President Biden addressed to Bangladesh’s newly elected Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina (4th time in a row) expressing clear intent to go ahead with the government continuing the partnership for trade, investment, development and Indo-pacific strategic areas towards building a new chapter considered very encouraging. In this context, Donald Lu’s visit to Bangladesh could essentially be perceived to initiate a diplomatic process with Bangladesh for meaningful engagement for reorienting the partnership in line with US’s new foreign Policy initiative keeping the “hard line issues” (e.g. human rights, labor rights)  aside with renewed  interests.

Donald Lu’s warmth, positive, open attitude was evident in his meetings with Bangladesh Foreign Minister, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Prime Minister’s Private Sector & Investment Adviser, and his interviews with print and electronic media. Most importantly, expressing satisfaction on reduction of ‘extrajudicial killings’ he particularly mentioned that the US government has no objection to lifting sanctions against RAB             ( Rapid Action Battalion) and removing complexities surrounding Generalized System of Preferences( GSP) for Bangladesh export to US Market. And, indicated that the US was  open for assisting  Bangladesh  by US International Development Finance Corporation to addressing financing challenges. 

Furthermore, during the discussion at the meetings, positive indications for cooperation were made  on the issues inter-alia, extending trade incentives for Bangladesh’s smooth & sustainable transition to  a developing country  until 2032; investment in 40 IT villages; exchange program with US universities;  and improving business environment. The US offer of “Free-Real-Time data for South-Asia” program relevant to disaster monitoring, flood management, pollution control, and observe Seal-level rise considered interesting. Other areas for possible cooperation such as technology transfer, smart agriculture, and green climate technology was also considered. And,  formation of a Working Group was emphasized as a meaningful imitative to implement the cooperation envisaged. 

During bilateral talks, Donald Lu was   apprised of the recent positive development Bangladesh had with ILO on labor law reforms. In fact, Bangladesh considers labor rights (Trade union, workers safety, security and welfare) issues need to be addressed in a process and which are also relevant for receiving financial aid and particularly for GSP plus preferential scheme benefits from EU. On Rohingya repatriation issue, while sought US support, Lu was positive but suggested that given the evolving situation repatriation won’t be safe and be delayed. 

Regarding Indo-Pacific strategic security issue, though US Embassy’s Political Officer prior to the visit in a press briefing suggested “Washington’s interest in seeing Bangladesh as a net security provider”, Donald Lu reportedly preferred not to be seen putting pressure on security issues. However, considering Bangladesh’s geo-strategic location in the Bay of Bengal, this issue will remain as priority in US’s overall security considerations in the Indo-Pacific region.  

Interestingly, unlike previous occasions Lu didn’t meet any political party leaders which considered a positive signal for US’s renewed priorities attached. Leaders of the Party boycotted the last general elections, quite intriguingly remained indifference suggesting that ‘they   are   not at all bothered about Lu’s visit and not meeting them’. From apparent non-inclination of Lu on ‘political and hard issues’ and not meeting other political leaders,  it is presumed that the US realized ,  the pressure on political issues will not serve any purpose.   These should be dealt in a process on mutual understanding and appreciation. They particularly recognized the necessity of a stable government under the present leadership for Bangladesh’s overall transformational development, while the opposition’s repeated election boycotts in coalition with reactionary radical forces not contributing to have a positive, responsible, and inclusive democratic process. The track records of the opposing forces in governance earlier (military rule, culture of impunity, corruption, sponsoring reactionary forces,  etc. ) was not necessarily very encouraging. 

However, Donald Lu  met a cross section of civil society members (CSOs), labor leaders, and others.  The meeting reportedly focused on exchange of opinions on a range of issues such as human rights, labor rights, media freedom, political space, and Palestine crisis.  Reportedly, the CSOs were very critical to US’s   position on Gaza crisis and particularly on Israeli bombardment, destruction, torture & genocide. CSOs also briefed Lu about ‘shrinking political space’ prevailing in Bangladesh. 

Essentially, it’s natural that the US aims to partner with Bangladesh current leadership while it has no ideological conflict with  the  pillars of Bangladesh constitution  and values of great war of Liberation (1971). Positive, the US appreciates Bangladesh’s constitutional compulsions not to join in any military alliance. And welcomes Bangladesh’s Indo-Pacific Outlook and bilateral and multilateral collaboration on issues like combatting transnational crimes, stability and diversification  of supply chain, and exploiting dividends of blue economy on the  basis  of transparency and inclusiveness. 

Interestingly, the positive policy shift of the US’s has also been reflected in the understanding of Mr. Michael Kugelman, Director, South Asia Institute of Washington based Think Tank – Wilson Center. According to him, given the geo-political realities   the US, prior to Bangladesh’s general elections shifted its policy focus from political and human rights issues to ‘regional security’(Article: what’s next for US policy in Bangladesh? : The Daily Star : January 16, 2024 ). Kugelman, in the context of US’s geo-strategic   competition with China and Russia, as a reality, emphasized on the necessity of                                    “diplomatic space”.   He also placed Bangladesh at the higher echelon  because of its transformational development and emerging global stature ( Book :  Bangladesh on a new journey  : moving beyond the regional identity,  edited by Sree  Radha Dutta, 2024). 

Nilanthy   Samaranayake – Visiting Expert at the US Institute of Peace, East-West Centre in Washington maintains, while the ‘US raised the temperature on Bangladesh regarding the conduct of its election process before January, it appears now it appears now  be focused on  the way forward in the relationship’( Article  : April 30, 2024).  

Bangladesh also values its relationship with the US as its largest destination for exports, a major source of direct investment, and important financial donor for the Rohingyas. Despite being a predominantly Muslim country, Bangladesh’s communal harmony, women empowerment, secularism, democracy and free market economy naturally  forms the basis for stronger relationship with the US. The potentials in cooperation and positive indications emerged from the discussions could be   considered crucial for Bangladesh’s sustained growth with diversification, competitiveness, modernization and private sector development. 

However, the emerging scenario of possible synergies in understanding and cooperation needs to be reconciled  in the prism of Bangladesh’s foreign policy dictum: “ Friendship to all and malice towards none” to demonstrate some flexibility in the overall spectrum of balanced approach Bangladesh has been pursuing since independence. Bangladesh understands the balance is relative and can’t be measured arithmatically. However, question arises – whether the explicit indications offered by the US is true to its earnest – in letter and spirit?  If so, Bangladesh would consider the same seriously and be forthcoming. Notably, the US is fully aware, Bangladesh is not alone in the pursuit of balance in its foreign policy implementation. It has succeeded to forge partnership with major countries inter-alia, India, Japan, China, UK, France, Germany, EU, Russia, Australia, Canada, Saudi-Arabia, UAE, Turkey, and the US. 

Therefore, a confidence building measures are essentially required to rebuild the trust– Donald Lu emphatically focused. The US may consider to undertake practical steps on a top priority basis  for  : (i) lifting sanction against RAB and revival   of  GSP scheme on a top priority basis & (iii)  an Official visits at the top leadership level in the near future. These will definitely have seminal impact for a qualitative change in bilateral relations through a well considered mechanism and  a positive, inclusive & forward  looking approach. 

Overall, Donald Lu’s visit to Bangladesh are considered significant and carried a positive message to Bangladesh. It will definitely  be appreciated by  a wide spectrum of people including Civil society, professionals, academia, business community, and the policy makers.  If there is a positive proactive move forward, it will also strengthen the multilateral and balanced dimensions of Bangladesh’s Foreign Policy priority considerations. 

Writer :  Md. Abdul Hannan : Former Bangladesh Ambassador and Secretary .