Two-day long 4th Bangladesh-US partnership dialogue begin in Dhaka on April 30

The two-day long fourth Bangladesh-US Partnership Dialogue will begin in Dhaka on April 30, focusing on the expansion of security, trade and development ties between the two countries.

The dialogue aims to advance growing bilateral relationship between the two nations and provide it with strategic direction, a US diplomat in Dhaka said.

Initially, the discussion was scheduled to be held on April 29-30, but will now be held on April 30-May 1.

Diplomatic sources in Dhaka and Washington confirmed that the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs of the US Wendy R Sherman will lead the US delegation.

Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Nisha Desai Biswal will also attend the dialogue.

US Embassy Spokesperson Monica L Shie told The Daily Star yesterday that Wendy Sherman would lead a large US delegation at the talks.

“The two sides will discuss the full range of our bilateral activities, including development and governance, trade and investment, and security cooperation,” she said.

There will be 12 officials from the US side, plus others in supporting roles, Monica said. Delegates will arrive at different times beginning today and the delegation leader will arrive on Thursday.

Foreign Secretary Md Shahidul Haque will lead the Bangladesh delegation, comprised by representatives from the ministries and divisions of foreign, commerce, energy, home, food and disaster management, economic relations ministries and the armed forces.

Issues related to labour, regional connectivity, climate change, counter-terrorism and food security will come up during the dialogue.