BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia will hold a meeting with US Secretary of State John F Kerry, who arrives in Dhaka today in a brief visit to Bangladesh, according to BNP sources. “I came to know that the chairperson (Khaleda) will meet John Kerry today, but I don’t know about the time and where the meeting will take place,” said a senior party leader preferring anonymity. The leader, however, said that the meeting is likely to be held at the residence of US Ambassador in Dhaka, Marcia Stephens Bloom Bernicat, before the departure of the top US diplomat.
BNP Standing Committee Member Brig Gen (Retd) ASM Hannan Shah also confirmed the meeting between the two leaders. However, he could not confirm the venue and the schedule of the meeting. He said the party chairperson may discuss with the US secretary of state the issues of restoration of democratic rights, rule of law, stopping extra judicial killings and ending repression on those opposing the government and creating a level playing for all.
According to the schedule, Kerry will meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Foreign Minister Mahmood Ali. He is also expected to meet professional groups, representatives of the civil society and a media delegation.
John Kerry will arrive in Dhaka from Geneva and leave for New Delhi after his brief stay in Bangladesh.