US-Bangla security talks today

Dhaka and Washington's stance on regional strategic relations and strengthening of military cooperation will dominate the 3rd security dialogue between the two countries to be held in the capital today.
Mustafa Kamal, secretary (bilateral) of the foreign ministry, will lead a 30-member Bangladesh delegation at the daylong dialogue at Bangladesh Institute of International Strategic Studies (BIISS).
Tom Kelly, principal deputy assistant secretary of State for Bureau of Political-Military Affairs of the United States, will lead a 27-member delegation.
Talking to The Daily Star yesterday, Mahfuzur Rahman, director general (Americas) of the ministry, said issues like regional strategic relations, military assistance, global security issue, UN peacekeeping operations, counterterrorism and disaster management will be discussed at the dialogue.
Sources said officials of both the sides will discuss purchase and receiving of military hardware from the US under the Excess Defence Article (EDA) programme at the meet.
A coast guard cutter ship of US was handed over to Bangladesh last year and Dhaka is expected to seek more military assistance under the EDA.
About the dialogue, US Embassy Spokesperson Kelly McCarthy told The Daily Star that “the dialogue reflects our growing defence relationship with Bangladesh, and our shared commitment to peace and prosperity in the region.”  
She said it will include discussions on maritime security, counterterrorism, disaster risk management, peacekeeping, law enforcement, nonproliferation, joint military exercises and exchanges.
Officials said the two countries will exchange each other position and views on strategic relation in South Asian countries, including India, Myanmar, Afghanistan and China.