Foreign secretary to brief officials in Washington

Bangladesh and the United States will hold a crucial political consultation in Washington DC next week.

The US had earlier expressed concern over irregularities in the December 30 polls.

Dhaka is sending the foreign secretary to hold talks with the US administration officials.

Apart from political discussions, Dhaka may offer defence purchases, including aircraft, from the US to boost the capability of Bangladesh military, a diplomat in Washington said.

Diplomatic sources in Dhaka and Washington said Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haque would meet Under Secretary for Political Affairs of the Department of State David Hale on January 22.

“It is obvious that the election will be high on agenda during the meeting,” a diplomatic source in Washington DC told The Daily Star yesterday.

The US government after the election in Bangladesh has noted with concern credible reports of harassment, intimidation, and violence in the pre-election period that made it difficult for many opposition candidates and their supporters to meet, hold rallies and campaign freely, the source said.

During his five-day visit to the US, the foreign secretary will hold a series of meetings with senior officials. 

The issues of Rohingya refugees will also be discussed in the meetings.