In the backdrop of two major terrorist attacks including the one in Gulshan last week, US assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asian affairs Nisha Desai Biswal is coming to Bangladesh on a two-day visit early next week, said diplomatic sources concerned.
She visits Dhaka within a span of two months as Bangladesh is reeling under terrorist attacks, especially the ones reportedly claimed by militant outfit Islamic State.
Diplomatic sources in Washington and Dhaka said Nisha Desai, who is most likely to arrive on Sunday, would focus on issues of terrorism and militancy during her meeting with Bangladesh officials.
She may meet foreign minister AH Mahmood Ali, home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, foreign secretary Md. Shahidul Haque and some other senior officials of the government.
The US official was scheduled to visit Dhaka later this month but the latest attacks prompted Washington to send her early.
The attack on Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka diplomatic zone of Gulshan on 1 July claimed 28 lives including 18 foreigners.
The US official is expected to discuss with authorities in Dhaka matters relating to security and US cooperation in addressing terrorism.
US president Barack Obama has said Washington would continue to stand with Bangladesh in its resolve to fight terrorism.
Diplomats stationed in Dhaka, in a meeting with foreign minister AH Mahmood Ali, pointed to lapses in security arrangement expressing their concerns after the Dhaka attack.
Dhaka in the meantime sought cooperation from neighbouring countries and other foreign friends to tackle militancy.
Source: Prothom-Alo