Dhaka, June 16: Free access for Bangaldeshi goods in US, post-war Iraq and the Mideast peace issue are expected to figure in Secretary of State Colin Powell’s agenda for his brief tour of Bangladesh this week. A range of bilateral and international issues including the post-war situation in Iraq and the roadmap for peace in the Mideast would come up in talks with Powell, Foreign Minister Morshed Khan told reporters over the weekend.

He said the Secretary of State's visit is in recognition of Bangladesh as a vibrant democracy. "Powell's planned visit is recognition of Bangladesh as a vibrant democracy and voice of moderation in the Muslim world as well as its role in the fight against global terrorism," he said.

To a question, Khan said Bangladesh would send peacekeepers to Iraq under UN mandate as it has done elsewhere.

Free access of Bangladesh goods and products to US market, a liberal visa policy for Bangladesh nationals and a soft attitude toward Bangladeshis living in US will figure in the talks, newspaper 'Daily Star' reported. Powell, who will be leading a seven-member high-powered delegation, including Assistant Secretary of State Christina Rocca, would be visiting Bangaldesh for nearly four hours on June 19. An advance US team is already in town.

During his brief stopover, Powell will call on Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and also have a meeting with main opposition leader Sheikh Hasina.

Bureau Report