Labour rights issues, the upcoming national polls, the generalised system of preference (GSP) facility for Bangladesh and climate change will dominate the bilateral talks between Foreign Minister Dipu Moni and her US counterpart John Kerry during his visit on June 25.
Although the visit is yet to be officially announced, a number of senior diplomats have confirmed to the Dhaka Tribune that the US secretary of state would stop in Dhaka on that day for a brief visit during his journey to India and Pakistan.
“His visit shows that Bangladesh is equally important as other countries in the region,” a senior foreign ministry official said Monday.
Following the fire at Tazreen Fashion and the Rana Plaza collapse, labour issues have taken centre stage at the bilateral talks. “We are not expecting this visit by Kerry to be any different,” the official said.
The then-secretary of state Hillary Clinton came to Dhaka in May 2012, and Dipu Moni had a meeting with Kerry in Washington last month.
“The US side has shown great interest in the reform of Bangladesh labour law and insisted on our implementing the ILO Better Work Programme,” he said. The government has already placed a proposal before parliament to amend the labour law, which is likely to be passed this month.
Kerry is expected to discuss upcoming elections, as Washington is keen on seeing a free, fair and credible election in Bangladesh, said another diplomat while talking to the Dhaka Tribune. “The election issue was discussed in the meeting between Dipu Moni and Kerry in Washington in May.”
The Bangladesh side would like to discuss GSP and climate change issues with the US during the bilateral talks, he added.
“GSP is important for Bangladesh, as any adverse decision at the end of this month would send a negative signal to the whole world,” the official said.
Ticfa, counterterrorism MoU
During Kerry’s visit, the official said, Dhaka and Washington might sign two instruments: the Trade and Investment Cooperation Framework Agreement (Ticfa) and a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for cooperation on counterterrorism.
The matter of signing TICFA is now a political one, he said.
“It was to be placed before the cabinet in May for approval. But it was withdrawn at the last minute. If top government policymakers think Dhaka should sign it, it will be placed in the cabinet,” he said.
Dipu Moni at a press briefing in May said TICFA is good for Dhaka and Washington but it must ensure protection of interests of both the countries.
US ambassador Dan Mozena said at a press briefing in May: “If it is good for Bangladesh to have this forum, then let’s sign it. If it is not a good thing, Bangladesh should never sign it. We are ready to sign but of course it takes two to sign.”
TICFA establishes a forum for the US and Bangladesh to meet once a year to identify growth obstacles and identify solutions.
Regarding counterterrorism, the foreign ministry official said Bangladesh has approved the MoU. If the US side agrees, it is expected to be signed during Kerry’s visit.