What Donald Lu's visit means for Bangladesh

[fallstuff]

What Donald Lu's visit means for Bangladesh​

Doreen Chowdhury
Sun Jan 15, 2023 01:06 PM Last update on: Sun Jan 15, 2023 02:22 PM

US assistant secretary Donald Lu. Photo: Reuters
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US assistant secretary Donald Lu. Photo: Reuters
Barring any last moment change, US assistant secretary Donald Lu will have arrived in Dhaka late last night. Lu is the top diplomat for the US in South and Central Asia, where he has been working for a long time as a State Department functionary.
However, Lu has also gained a reputation for his diplomatic method among South Asian diplomats, which is seen by many as "coercive". His involvement in Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka has created such an image in the region. But considering the current trend of Bangladesh-US relations, his visit will surely have several implications including the settlement of political dissatisfaction, the future of the Rohingya, investment, and the Indo-Pacific strategy.

The name Donald Lu became well-known after Pakistan's ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan's allegation. After being toppled, he directly accused Lu to be the conspirator behind his removal.
Prior to that, Donald Lu played an instrumental role in pursuing Nepal to sign the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact with the US. MCC now has become quite a challenge for Nepal to fulfil its commitments. Despite that, Lu visited Nepal last year and persuaded its parliament to ratify the agreement. It is also reported that Lu had a role in reinstating Ranil Wickremesinghe as the Sri Lankan Prime Minister amid the country's turmoil in order to safeguard US interests.

Hence, after Imran's allegation, Lu became a controversial figure in South Asia. However, in the context of Bangladesh, things may not be the same, considering the visit and Bangladesh's neutrality policy.
Today, he is expected to exchange views with government high-ups, political parties and civil society. He will also meet the Foreign Minister and Foreign Secretary. The main agenda of his visit will revolve around priority issues such as energy, trade, security cooperation, religious freedom, labour, and human rights. Lu will also explore possibilities of expanding economic engagement, and hear civil society perspectives on labour and human rights.
The visit is likely to focus heavily on ongoing questions on internal politics, human rights issues, the GSP scheme, defence agreements (namely GSOMIA and ACSA), the Rohingya issue and its future, and investment in Bangladesh. Geopolitics regarding the Indo-Pacific will likely be discussed, as the US is now prioritising it seriously.

Lu's visit can also be seen as a continuation of diplomatic engagement between the two countries, which as increased over the past two years. Till now, 17 mid and high-level bilateral visits have taken place, including Eileen Laubacher's latest one. Among the 17 visits, Bangladesh has sent seven delegations to the US, while the US has sent 10 to its counterpart. Lu's visit will be 11th in the last two years. The reason behind such a large number of visits is expanding relations and short-term disagreements that need to be solved. The Indo-Pacific strategy and Bangladesh' geo-strategic significance are also behind this deepening engagement.
Bilateral relations are also flourishing, ranging from economic to cultural. Over the years, existing bilateral trade is increasing and reached USD 13 billion in 2022. The US is also the third largest trading partner of Bangladesh, and is the top donor to the Rohingya with USD 1.9 billion. It has also provided over 100 million doses of vaccine as aid to Bangladesh, which accounts for 70 percent of its total vaccine donation to the world.
Amid such expanding relations, discontent has also emerged from both parties. The US appears to be dissatisfied with Bangladesh's domestic politics, while Bangladesh is also dissatisfied with US interference. Sanctions on RAB, which Bangladesh is seeking to lift, also put a strain on relations. Apart from such political issues, there are some security and economic issues for both countries to discuss as well. The US wants to sign two defence agreements with Bangladesh, while Bangladesh wants to reinstate the GSP and receive greater US investment. And lastly, the US wants Bangladesh to join its Indo-Pacific Strategy.
As a result, Donald Lu's visit will have several implications for Bangladesh. It will increase bilateral diplomatic communication and serve as a continuation of relations. As Lu is the top diplomat for the US in this region, the meeting will provide opportunities for both countries to hold talks on pressing issues. It could also be a personal opportunity for Lu to reconstruct his image by working on mutual interests rather than using other methods.
The latest trends in US-Bangladesh relations is favourable for both countries. Bangladesh's neutrality and balancing policy is also accommodative of US objectives in the region, as it will not pose threats to any rivals. Such routine visits are good signs for bilateral relations, as they provide opportunities to share on disagreements and help to locate opportunities to pursue together. For Lu, it is also an opportunity to reconstruct his diplomatic image. Coercive diplomacy only drives nation away. In this context, Lu's visit may bring many positive implications for Bangladesh-US relations.

Doreen Chowdhury is a doctoral researcher at the University of Groningen.

What Donald Lu's visit means for Bangladesh

Donald Lu has gained a reputation for his diplomatic method among South Asian diplomats, which is seen by many as “coercive”.

www.thedailystar.net

 

[epebble]

Hence, after Imran's allegation, Lu became a controversial figure in South Asia.

Lu may be controversial for many things. But Imran's allegations should be given zero weightage. He is a loose cannon who changes his opinion on any subject 3 times a day. He has accused the Prime Minister of his country of conspiring to murder him but will gladly embrace him and may be even make him his deputy if Imran is offered the throne.

 

[bluesky]

What Donald Lu's visit means for Bangladesh​

Doreen Chowdhury
Sun Jan 15, 2023 01:06 PM Last update on: Sun Jan 15, 2023 02:22 PM

US assistant secretary Donald Lu. Photo: Reuters
" style="box-sizing: inherit;">
US assistant secretary Donald Lu. Photo: Reuters
Barring any last moment change, US assistant secretary Donald Lu will have arrived in Dhaka late last night. Lu is the top diplomat for the US in South and Central Asia, where he has been working for a long time as a State Department functionary.
However, Lu has also gained a reputation for his diplomatic method among South Asian diplomats, which is seen by many as "coercive". His involvement in Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka has created such an image in the region. But considering the current trend of Bangladesh-US relations, his visit will surely have several implications including the settlement of political dissatisfaction, the future of the Rohingya, investment, and the Indo-Pacific strategy.

The name Donald Lu became well-known after Pakistan's ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan's allegation. After being toppled, he directly accused Lu to be the conspirator behind his removal.
Prior to that, Donald Lu played an instrumental role in pursuing Nepal to sign the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact with the US. MCC now has become quite a challenge for Nepal to fulfil its commitments. Despite that, Lu visited Nepal last year and persuaded its parliament to ratify the agreement. It is also reported that Lu had a role in reinstating Ranil Wickremesinghe as the Sri Lankan Prime Minister amid the country's turmoil in order to safeguard US interests.

Hence, after Imran's allegation, Lu became a controversial figure in South Asia. However, in the context of Bangladesh, things may not be the same, considering the visit and Bangladesh's neutrality policy.
Today, he is expected to exchange views with government high-ups, political parties and civil society. He will also meet the Foreign Minister and Foreign Secretary. The main agenda of his visit will revolve around priority issues such as energy, trade, security cooperation, religious freedom, labour, and human rights. Lu will also explore possibilities of expanding economic engagement, and hear civil society perspectives on labour and human rights.
The visit is likely to focus heavily on ongoing questions on internal politics, human rights issues, the GSP scheme, defence agreements (namely GSOMIA and ACSA), the Rohingya issue and its future, and investment in Bangladesh. Geopolitics regarding the Indo-Pacific will likely be discussed, as the US is now prioritising it seriously.

Lu's visit can also be seen as a continuation of diplomatic engagement between the two countries, which as increased over the past two years. Till now, 17 mid and high-level bilateral visits have taken place, including Eileen Laubacher's latest one. Among the 17 visits, Bangladesh has sent seven delegations to the US, while the US has sent 10 to its counterpart. Lu's visit will be 11th in the last two years. The reason behind such a large number of visits is expanding relations and short-term disagreements that need to be solved. The Indo-Pacific strategy and Bangladesh' geo-strategic significance are also behind this deepening engagement.
Bilateral relations are also flourishing, ranging from economic to cultural. Over the years, existing bilateral trade is increasing and reached USD 13 billion in 2022. The US is also the third largest trading partner of Bangladesh, and is the top donor to the Rohingya with USD 1.9 billion. It has also provided over 100 million doses of vaccine as aid to Bangladesh, which accounts for 70 percent of its total vaccine donation to the world.
Amid such expanding relations, discontent has also emerged from both parties. The US appears to be dissatisfied with Bangladesh's domestic politics, while Bangladesh is also dissatisfied with US interference. Sanctions on RAB, which Bangladesh is seeking to lift, also put a strain on relations. Apart from such political issues, there are some security and economic issues for both countries to discuss as well. The US wants to sign two defence agreements with Bangladesh, while Bangladesh wants to reinstate the GSP and receive greater US investment. And lastly, the US wants Bangladesh to join its Indo-Pacific Strategy.
As a result, Donald Lu's visit will have several implications for Bangladesh. It will increase bilateral diplomatic communication and serve as a continuation of relations. As Lu is the top diplomat for the US in this region, the meeting will provide opportunities for both countries to hold talks on pressing issues. It could also be a personal opportunity for Lu to reconstruct his image by working on mutual interests rather than using other methods.
The latest trends in US-Bangladesh relations is favourable for both countries. Bangladesh's neutrality and balancing policy is also accommodative of US objectives in the region, as it will not pose threats to any rivals. Such routine visits are good signs for bilateral relations, as they provide opportunities to share on disagreements and help to locate opportunities to pursue together. For Lu, it is also an opportunity to reconstruct his diplomatic image. Coercive diplomacy only drives nation away. In this context, Lu's visit may bring many positive implications for Bangladesh-US relations.

Doreen Chowdhury is a doctoral researcher at the University of Groningen.

What Donald Lu's visit means for Bangladesh

Donald Lu has gained a reputation for his diplomatic method among South Asian diplomats, which is seen by many as “coercive”.

www.thedailystar.net

It is a very nicely written piece of feature on Lu's visit to BD and the projection of the BD-US relationship through the next decade. US support cannot be nullified by Chinese project loans at more than a 3.25% interest rate.

I expect US private investment in BD in the coming years if the BD govt plays correctly. i am surprised to read that the two-way trade between the two countries was about $13 billion last year most of which is the exports from BD.

I thought it is below $10 billion. @Destranator should find out how much a sovereign BD exports to both China and India. The total exports may be below $2billion.

But, for obvious reasons, to all the BAL cronies, these two countries are great friends of Golden BD.

 

[mb444]

BD has no oil thus is of little interest to US.... thank goodness for that.

There is not much they want....they might want us to be part of quad but it is obvious for everyone that a non aligned BD is best for all including US and China.

 

[Olympus81]

Donald Lu must have tried his luck in Bangladesh as well. But guess didn’t work out.

To Donald Lu, every day is not Sunday bhai.

 

[Destranator]

BD has no oil thus is of little interest to US.... thank goodness for that.

There is not much they want....they might want us to be part of quad but it is obvious for everyone that a non aligned BD is best for all including US and China.

One thing worth noticing is, in all these recent exchanges there has been no threat from the US to restrict Bangladeshi exports. Bangladesh is important to the supply chain of major US retailers who are donors to US politicians. It is in US corporate interests that Bangladesh exports more and more to them.
The US genuinely wants Bangladesh to remain a manufacturing hub and not become a radical hellhole. They are indirectly helping BAL by trying to reign in extrajudicial killings which might lead to BAL's collapse and creation of a power vacuum which, in the absence of a credible opposition, might be occupied by rabid Mullahs who would inevitably destroy the economy.

 

[-blitzkrieg-]

It means arm twisting

 

[Bilal9]

Alga presenting tips about "development" (unnoyon) a la Hasina to US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu and expressed hope that US will take helpful lessons from this. Application of skin tightening Botox seen on Alga's face.

Washington to watch Bangladesh nat'l polls environment​

Says Donald Lu

Porimol Palma

Mon Jan 16, 2023 10:22 PM Last update on: Mon Jan 16, 2023 11:02 PM

US assistant secretary Donald Lu. Photo: Collected

US assistant secretary Donald Lu. Photo: Collected

Washington will be focusing on whether there is intimidation during the next national elections due early next year and say it publicly, considering that it is important for the democracies to provide feedback and encourage each other for better democracies, said Donald Lu, US assistant secretary of State for South and Central Asia.

"We will focus if there is intimidation of voters or the leaders during the elections from the government, opposition or the law enforcing agencies, and we will say it publicly," he said in an exclusive interview with The Daily Star following his meetings with the ministers, officials and civil society leaders yesterday.

​

The US official said the main focus of his visit to Bangladesh is to show that the US is a reliable partner of Bangladesh and that the two countries share the vision of Bangladeshi people for a stronger democracy, more prosperity and for stability.

"Bangladesh is an important democracy in South Asia. Like all of us, Bangladesh has an imperfect democracy. I hope Bangladesh will be working hard to make sure that as it moves towards elections, they're focused on the ability on the government and opposition to work peacefully together, to protect freedom of assembly so people can gather peacefully, but also freedom of speech," he said.

"As Americans, we'll condemn violence where we see it, if it's on the part of opposition or on the part of government and security forces."

Lu said it is important as democracies that they provide that sort of feedback and really encourage each other to be better democracies.

"I have every confidence that Bangladesh will be able to rise to the occasion and have a good election," he added.

When asked about the rumour about new sanctions, Donald Lu said he hopes not.

"Normally, we impose sanctions on the anniversary [December 10]. We would have designated more individuals from the Rab to face individual sanctions. We didn't do that because we recognise the progress being made by the government and by the Rab itself to reform.

"We would like to see more reforms, but we mean to encourage this process going forward…that they are an effective law enforcement unit, but without human rights violations."

 

[Bilal9]

One thing worth noticing is, in all these recent exchanges there has been no threat from the US to restrict Bangladeshi exports. Bangladesh is important to the supply chain of major US retailers who are donors to US politicians. It is in US corporate interests that Banggladesh exports more and more to them.
The US genuinely wants Bangladesh to remain a manufacturing hub and not become a radical hellhole. They are indirectly helping BAL by trying to reign in extrajudicial killings which might lead to BAL's collapse and creation of a power vacuum which, in the absence of a credible opposition, might be occupied by rabid Mullahs who would evitably destroy the economy.

Threats from US to restrict Bangladeshi exports is the last trump card, so to speak.

Oi porjonto jaitey deri aasey.

But if the US completely gave up, they can easily choose alternate sources, like Vietnam and Cambodia (and even Pakistan).....and they'd start machinations right now for this switch.

I hope Alga and Company played the cards right.....

 

[bluesky]

Bilateral relations are also flourishing, ranging from economic to cultural. Over the years, existing bilateral trade is increasing and reached USD 13 billion in 2022. The US is also the third largest trading partner of Bangladesh, and is the top donor to the Rohingya with USD 1.9 billion.

@Destranator, it seems the BD govt has already sold its sovereignty to the USA by begging for $1.9 billion for Rohingyas already. It is also true that the USA has already forgiven about $10 billion in donations and assistance before that.

So, where do you think BD sovereignty now lies? So, ask your Hasina to pay back at least this $1.9 billion for Rohingya and reclaim the BD sovereignty. Do not also forget the USA is BD's biggest market for its underwear.

 

[bluesky]

Threats from US to restrict Bangladeshi exports is the last trump card, so to speak.

Oi porjonto jaitey deri aasey.

But if the US completely gave up, they can easily choose alternate sources, like Vietnam and Cambodia (and even Pakistan).....and they'd start machinations right now for this switch.

I hope Alga and Company played the cards right.....

America may not act as weak as another superpower Russia. Russia continuously threats Ukraine.

If democracy is not re-established in BD、our exporters may suddenly find themselves exporting gradually declining quantities of textiles to America.

A midnight vote-stuffing election will not be accepted by America and other Western countries. I think Hasina wants a way out from the criminal punishment for the BDR carnage in Pilkhana.

 

[Bilal9]

US wants fair polls in Bangladesh: Lu​

Fall in extra-judicial killings by RAB hailed​

Staff Correspondent | Published: 15:13, Jan 15,2023 | Updated: 06:15, Jan 16,2023

US assistant secretary of state for bureau of south and central Asian affairs Donald Lu (second from left) speaks at the foreign ministry in Dhaka on Sunday. Report on page 1 — Sony Ramany

The United States assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asian Affairs, Donald Lu, on Sunday conveyed to the government that the US wanted the next general elections in Bangladesh to be held in a free and fair manner while expressing its commitment to democracy.

He also expressed concern over misuse of the Digital Security Act 2018 during his meetings with ministers.

At a meeting with foreign minister AK Abdul Momen, the assistant secretary Lu said that the US was committed to democracy and human rights and offered suggestions whenever they saw any problems with these issues anywhere.

‘We have honest and open discussions with the [Bangladesh] foreign minister and the foreign secretary today. We have expressed that the United States is committed to democracy and human rights. We speak and offer suggestions whenever we see any problems and stand for freedom of speech and freedom of expression,’ Donald Lu said after his meetings at the foreign ministry.

He said that his visit to Bangladesh was aimed at strengthening the friendly relations between the two countries.

Related Coverage:​

• › Human rights, bilateral ties top agenda
• › US assistant secretary Lu arrives on Saturday
• › US ambassador to Bangladesh raises ‘security concerns’
• › US has no favourite in political arena: Haas

Momen said that he had informed Lu that the ruling Awami League also wanted the elections to be held in a free, fair and acceptable manner.

He said that the assistant secretary was assured that the government was taking steps so that the DSA was not misused in any way.

The foreign minister said that they had discussed a wide range of issues relating to energy, security cooperation, Indo-Pacific Strategy, labour rights, US sanctions and elections, among others.

‘We had a constructive discussion on various issues. We have developed a good relationship with the US in the last 50 years and we want to take it to a deeper level and make the relations more meaningful,’ Momen said.

He said that his government would accept good suggestions if they got any and they had already shown that sign.

‘Definitely, we will take care of the issues if they find any weaknesses anywhere. We want people’s welfare,’ Momen told reporters.

He said that the US and Bangladesh were good friends. ‘The friends talk about issues very openly without any reservations. That’s what we did,’ Momen said.

The US assistant secretary also held a separate meeting with the state minister for foreign affairs Md Shahriar Alam.

Later in the afternoon, he held meetings with home minister Asaduzzaman Khan and law minister Anisul Huq at the Foreign Service Academy besides sitting with a group of representatives from the civil society and academics.

Lu arrived in Dhaka on Saturday evening on a two-day visit.

He flew in Dhaka from New Delhi after concluding a two-day visit in India on January 12 and 13, said officials concerned.

The Lu visit comes just a week after Rear Admiral Eileen Laubacher, the US National Security Council’s senior director for South Asia, visited Bangladesh.

Asked about the US sanctions on the Rapid Action Battalion and seven of its former and serving officials, Lu said that they had a good discussion on the RAB.

Referring to the Human Rights Watch annual report 2023, he said that there was ‘tremendous progress’ in reducing extrajudicial killings after the US sanctions.

‘We recognise this. This is an amazing work. It shows that RAB is able to carry out its counterterrorism efforts and important functions while respecting human rights,’ he told reporters at the foreign ministry.

Asaduzzaman said the US side did not discuss anything on the reform of RAB, but described the RAB’s current activities ‘satisfactory’.

The home minister told reporters at the Foreign Service Academy that the withdrawal of sanctions was a complex process and it might take time.

He said that Bangladesh was on the right track to complete the process but there was no timeframe for the withdrawal of the sanctions.

On December 10, 2021, the US Treasury Department imposed the sanctions, stating that widespread allegations of serious human rights abuse in Bangladesh by the RAB — as part of the Bangladesh government’s war on drugs —threaten US national security interests by undermining the rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and the economic prosperity of the people of Bangladesh.

About the labour rights situation, Lu said that this was an important issue for Bangladesh for trade ties.

‘I had the honour of sitting with Salman F Raman this morning to talk about the way forward so that we can cooperate on the improvement of labour rights in this country. I’m very confident we’re going to make progress this year,’ he said.

Asked whether the US wanted Bangladesh to join the Indo-Pacific Strategy, Lu said they had a frank discussion on it. ‘It is not a club, and it is not a matter of joining or not joining,’ he said.

Asked about the reinstatement of the Generalised System of Preferences facility that remained suspended for the export of Bangladeshi goods to the US since 2013 on safety and labour rights issues, Lu said that it was depending on the authorisation of the Congress. ‘We are working very closely with the government of Bangladesh and Bangladesh will be the first country on the list if the Congress authorises,’ he added.

Lu also listened to experiences and concerns of Bangladesh labour rights leaders in a meeting with them in the city.

Earlier in the morning, he had a breakfast meeting with the prime minister’s private industry and investment adviser Salman F Rahman at his Gulshan residence, officials said.

US ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas accompanied Lu during the meetings.

 

[mb444]

One thing worth noticing is, in all these recent exchanges there has been no threat from the US to restrict Bangladeshi exports. Bangladesh is important to the supply chain of major US retailers who are donors to US politicians. It is in US corporate interests that Bangladesh exports more and more to them.
The US genuinely wants Bangladesh to remain a manufacturing hub and not become a radical hellhole. They are indirectly helping BAL by trying to reign in extrajudicial killings which might lead to BAL's collapse and creation of a power vacuum which, in the absence of a credible opposition, might be occupied by rabid Mullahs who would inevitably destroy the economy.

Your points are well made.

All I would say is it is not for US to enable but BD needs power to be rotated on a regular basis with a minimum of fuss. Its just basic common sense and a safety valve against periodic violence lead change of power and institutionalisation of corruption.

As far as GSP in US, its not going to happen period as there has been no improvement in labour relation in BD.

BD really need to do everything to stay out of US rader......... its a poisoned chalice for any Muslim nation.

 

[SoulSpokesman]

Donald Lu means regime change. It is quite scary! Lets pray for Hasina bibis well being

Regards

 

[bluesky]

Momen said that he had informed Lu that the ruling Awami League also wanted the elections to be held in a free, fair and acceptable manner.

ব্যাটা আলগা মোমেন, তুমি এইখানে কি মজাক করণের লাইগা আইছ ? তুমি এইটাও ভাবতাছ যে তুমি নিজে একাই চালাক, আর বাকি যারা আছে তারা সবাই মায়ের দুধ না খাইয়া বড় হইছে।

রিজাইন দিয়ে তত্বাবধায়ক সরকারের অধীনে নির্বাচন দিয়ে আবার ক্ষমতায় আস। কারো কোনো আপত্তি থাকবেনা।