Special Correspondent : Nicole Ann Chulick, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the US State Department’s Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, will arrive in Dhaka on Thursday to discuss various issues, including reforms, human rights, and democracy.

Additionally, Andrew R. Herrup, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the US State Department’s Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, will arrive on Wednesday to discuss the Myanmar situation.

This marks the first visit by officials from US President Donald Trump’s administration to Bangladesh. Susan Stevenson, the acting US Ambassador to Myanmar, is also scheduled to join Andrew R. Herrup during the visit.

During her four-day visit, senior US diplomat Chulick will discuss US assistance for reform activities in Bangladesh and the government’s efforts towards democratization with officials at various levels.

She will also hold meetings with several political parties, including the BNP and Jamaat. Her schedule includes a meeting with the Chief Advisor.

A Foreign Ministry official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Somakal that although Nicole Ann Chulick is currently the Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs, she is also acting as the head of the department due to the absence of an Assistant Secretary.

During her visit, she will seek to understand the specific needs for US cooperation in reforms. Additionally, discussions may include terrorism and human rights issues, especially given recent media reports of rising extremism.

The official mentioned that the US considers the lack of emphasis on reforms during the 1/11 period as a mistake and aims to support Bangladesh’s democratic transition through reforms.

Meanwhile, the Myanmar situation will be the primary focus of the meetings with Andrew R. Herrup, an experienced diplomat in East Asian affairs at the US State Department. He will meet with the Chief Advisor and other high-level officials.

The Foreign Ministry official stated that the evolving situation in Myanmar is seen by the US as an obstacle to implementing its Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS). This is because the government has limited control over most of the country.

Currently, Myanmar has become a hub for drug trafficking, illegal arms trade, kidnapping and hostage-taking of foreign nationals, and human trafficking, including women and children.

The Rohingya situation is also a concern. These activities involve the Myanmar military and various armed rebel groups. Furthermore, criminals from different countries are operating from within Myanmar. Therefore, the entire situation will be discussed.