Wednesday, Jun 18, 2003
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By Haroon Habib
A team of U.S. security personnel is already in Dhaka to look after the overall security for Gen. Powell. Tight security measures have been put in place in and around Sheraton Hotel where Gen. Powell, who arrives on June 19, will be staying. Ms Sukarnoputri is coming to Dhaka on a three-day visit beginning Wednesday. The Special Security Force, police and intelligence agencies, along with U.S. security personnel are looking into the details of the security measures. Meanwhile, the Foreign Minister, Morshed Khan, said Bangladesh would like to send troops as peacekeeping force to Iraq under the U.N. umbrella. He would hold talks with Gen. Powell on Thursday. However, he said the Government had not received any request from the U.S. or Britain on sending troops to Iraq. ``Our troops have earned praise as peacekeepers under the U.N. umbrella, but we've not sent troops anywhere as combatant force,'' he told a questioner. The Minister's comments came as some newspapers reported that the issue might come up for discussion during Gen. Powell's visit. Mr. Khan, however, said if there was global consensus, Bangladesh was ready to play its role for bringing about peace in Iraqi. Asked about the issues that may figure during his meeting with Gen. Powell, he said the entire gamut of bilateral relations, including trade and economic cooperation, between Dhaka and Washington would be reviewed. About a the Bill called Middle-East Trade Act scheduled to be placed before the U.S. Congress, Mr. Khan said Bangladesh was on the list of 18 countries seeking duty-and quota-free access to the U.S. market after the expiry of the Multi-Fibre Agreement in 2005. He said America was a major destination for Bangladeshi garments exports. "We hope Bangladesh, being a liberal democracy and moderate Muslim country ensuring empowerment women, will receive special concession from the U.S. Government.'' Terming Dhaka-Washington relations as excellent, Mr. Khan said Gen. Powell's visit was an important milestone in bilateral relations. Ms Megawati arrives here on Wednesday on a three-day visit. Promotion of trade cooperation and international peace will dominate the talks between the Prime Minister, Begum Khaleda Zia, and Ms Sukarnoputri. Both the sides are expected to explore new avenues to promote trade and commerce between the two countries. Ms Megawati, who embarks on a four-nation visit, will be accompanied by an entourage which will include six Ministers and a delegation of about 100 leading Indonesian businessmen.
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