Reflecting on the 3rd US-Bangla dialogue

BASED on reports appaering in various media , it can be undenaibly said that, as a continuation of the US-Bangladesh's annual partnership dialogue, the recently held third dialogue has eneded positvely. The two countries had covered all the expected areas, for instance -- security co-operation, coast guard , cliamte change, peacekeeping and certain areas of US concern like workers' safety and labour rights in Bangladesh. Moreover the countries had reviewd the progress in the existing fields of co-operation.

On the whole, it was a useful meeting that ended by agreeing to meet by scheduling a visit of the Bangladesh foreign minister which, if it happens,  will be a significant development. However, instead of expecting a dramatic outcome we should realise that it was a meeting at the functional level. In such type of discourse there isn't space to discuss any major or politically sensitive issues. So it can be assumed that much of what was disccussed and also what was gained have already appeared in the public domain.

Another fact about the dialogue is that it's an ongoing co-operation. So if one wants to measure the success or failure of it then one needs to go through the previous meeting held last year, and match with current output with what was mutually agreed by the two countries. For instance, as per last year's agreement we have seen the inclusion of the former Coast US Guard cutter Jarvis as Somudra Joy. Currently, it is the largest ship in our navy. By the time the next dialogue takes place in 2015 another cutter -- the USCGC Rush -- is to join its sister ship in our navy.

This is an example how progress is determined.

Any bi-lateral relationship is ever evolving. But it would be interesting to follow our foreign minister's visit to the US since major government-to-government deals are struck at that stage.  

In light of our bilateral ties with the US, the partnership dialogue has been a steady one that has taken place on regular intervals unimpeded for three successive years. This continuation  of dialougue is important, particularly with a country like the US. In the past many such types of dialogue did commence with other countries, but were not carried through. In terms of strenthening bi-lateral ties, this factor also shows how importantly one country is taking the other and how mutually the countries are striving to do so.

The writer is a former diplomat.