US-Bangladesh partnership talks begin

The fourth US-Bangladesh Partnership Dialogue began this morning in Dhaka with the meeting of its working group.

The meeting of the working group started at the state guest house Meghna around 10:00am attended by director general or joint secretary-level officials.

The US-Bangladesh partnership dialogue will focus on the expansion of security, trade, investment and development ties between the two countries.

Top US diplomats US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman and Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affiars Nisha Desai Biswal are expected to land at Dhaka later in the day to attend the dialogue’s plenary session.

Partnership dialogue is the premier forum for further expanding and deepening cooperation on bilateral and regional issues.

Two diplomats will hold discussion with the country's top political leaders and senior government officials. The current political situation is likely to be in focus at the discussions.

Sherman and Biswal are also expected to call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the evening.

The meeting will focus on the expansion of security, trade, investment and development ties between the two countries.

Issues related to labour, regional connectivity, climate change, counter-terrorism and food security will also come up during the dialogue.