Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Saturday said Bangladesh would request the United States to reconsider the sanctions imposed on the elite force RAB and withdraw them considering its positive role in the country.
"RAB is now much more mature. We will make a request that they (US) reconsider the decision," he told reporters after attending a discussion at Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban Auditorium, University of Dhaka.
Donald Lu, who became assistant secretary of state for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs on September 15, 2021, is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on Saturday night, wrapping up his India tour.
"We will raise our issues. They will raise their issues. But others do not need to teach us democracy. Democracy, human rights and justice are rooted in our hearts," said the foreign minister.
Donald Lu will have meetings on a range of priorities including energy, trade, security cooperation, religious freedom, labour and human rights.
Assistant Secretary Lu will meet with senior Bangladeshi officials and civil society leaders to discuss strengthening bilateral relations, expanding economic engagement and hear their perspectives on labour and human rights, according to the US Department of State.
On Friday, Momen said Bangladesh and the US believe in the same values and promote democracy and human rights.
Bangladesh has set an example in the world by sacrificing 30 million lives to establish democracy, and ensure justice and human rights, Momen said, adding: "Our principles and values are almost the same."
As the US wants Bangladesh to be part of its Indo-Pacific strategy, Momen said Bangladesh stands ready to do whatever is needed for the people's interests, noting that the government is still studying the issues related to the US' Indo-Pacific strategy.
"It is not that transparent. It is not mentioned there how it will bring benefits. We are studying it," he told reporters on Friday.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen said he sees the visit of Assistant Secretary Lu as part of regular engagements between the two sides.
He said there are many areas where Bangladesh has some expectations while the US side might have some expectations from Bangladesh. "We will discuss frankly."
The foreign secretary said there are strategies for Indo-Pacific from the US, Canada, Japan and the European Union.
"It is not that we are joining any particular group. We are preparing some elements on how we want to see the Bay of Bengal and beyond," Masud said.
During her recent visit to Bangladesh, US Senior Director for South Asia, National Security Council Eileen Laubacher said as a large part of the Indo-Pacific region, the Bay of Bengal contains vital shipping lanes and undersea cables that power the economies by moving food, fuel, goods and data.
Ensuring these lanes remain free and open is imperative for the economic health and national security of the United States, Bangladesh and all countries in the region, she told the media.