Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Wendy R Sherman will lead the American delegation, while Foreign Secretary Mijarul Quayes will lead a 10-member B’desh delegation comprising representatives of the ministries of commerce, energy, home, Economic Relations Division, Board of Investment, Armed Forces Division and Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association.
On the first day there will be separate meetings on different agenda items; on the second day, there will be a comprehensive meeting where vital issues like security will dominate the talks.
Cooperation in combating terrorism, counter-terrorism, violent extremism, and transnational crime, such as narcotics trafficking, piracy, and trafficking in persons and arms will be discussed under the broad head security since many Islamist groups and radical elements have become active in Bangladesh in recent years. Military to military cooperation also will figure. .
Human rights, good governance, democracy, women empowerment, food security, maternal and child health, family planning, and climate change are among the other subjects that feature prominently on the agenda which is tailor made to deepen the partnership by addressing bilateral, regional and global issues to the benefit of both countries.
The US side will seek an early conclusion of Trade and Investment Cooperation Framework Agreement (Ticfa). It has been in the works for the last four years. The sticky point is labour standard and there is no meeting ground thus far.
‘The US may seek to know our intention during the upcoming Partnership meeting relating to signing the Ticfa. But, we are undone since Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina did not give us the go-ahead in this regard,’ a top foreign ministry official told the Financial Express of Dhaka. So, unless Washington softens its stand, Ticfa may not see the light.
Another sticky issue is Bangladesh Grameen Bank. America thinks that its founder has been a raw deal despite his good work. Bangladesh doesn’t share this perception and points out that whatever action has been taken has been taken in utmost transparent manner. “Our interest is as much Grameen’s small borrowers as its health and sound practices”.
While on the subject of apparel trade, the United States officials may like to know the state of ready made garments (RMG) industry. This sector is in turmoil with several garment factories rocked by unrest. A prominent trade union leader Aminul Islam was murdered recently. This issue is likely to come up during the talks since RMG has emerged as a mainstay of Bangladesh economy and the US is the major market for Bangladesh’ apparels. Dhaka is seeking duty-free accesses to its RMGs.
Resilience of Bangladesh society and role of media will also be discussed by the foreign secretaries, according to reports.
Military leadership of the two countries will meet later this month on the 26th and the 27th in Hawaii to discuss peacekeeping and peace building initiatives. Officially this round is billed as technical level meeting.
