US envoy Dr Schear due today

US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence Dr James A Schear will arrive here today on a four-day visit to observe a military exercise.
Dr Schear and his delegation will observe the opening of the “Shanti Doot 3” exercise on March 8 and deliver a keynote speech, said a press release of the US Embassy yesterday.
During his visit, Schear will convey the US government's appreciation for Bangladesh's extensive commitments to peacekeeping operations.
He will visit a multi-purpose cyclone shelter, supported by US government humanitarian assistance funds, and observe a disaster response simulation in Patuakhali district.
He will also meet government officials and deliver a speech at the National Defence College.
This is Schear's first visit to Bangladesh since he was appointed in 2009.
Dr Schear advises the US Department of Defence's leadership on all matters pertaining to stabilisation and reconstruction operations, foreign disaster relief, humanitarian assistance, international peacekeeping efforts and non-combatant evacuations.