Ahead of US official Donald Lu's visit, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Friday said Bangladesh stands ready to do whatever is needed for the people's welfare, noting that the government is still studying the issues related to US Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS). "It's not that transparent. It's not mentioned there how it will bring benefits. We are studying," he told reporters while talking about the IPS and its economic component. Donald Lu, who became Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs on September 15, 2021, is scheduled to arrive here on January 14 wrapping up his India tour. "We will raise our issues. It's very normal to have good relations between Bangladesh and the United States," Momen said. Read: US envoy Haas praises Bangladesh’s development, eyes stronger future partnership Donald Lu will have meetings on a range of priorities including energy, trade, security cooperation, religious freedom, labour, and human rights. He will meet with senior Bangladeshi officials and civil society leaders to discuss strengthening their bilateral relationship, expanding economic engagement and hear their perspectives on labour and human rights, according to the US Department of State. Momen said Bangladesh and the US believe in the same values and promote democracy and human rights. Bangladesh has set an example in the world by sacrificing 30 lakh lives to establish democracy, ensure justice and human rights, Momen said, adding that "Our principles and values are almost the same."

Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Lilly Nicholls has said Bangladesh is the key part of Canada's just launched Indo-Pacific strategy. “It will usher in a new era of making Canada attractive and a long-term significant partner in the region and Bangladesh is a key part of that strategy,” she said on Sunday night just moments ahead of the formal launching of the long-awaited strategy in Vancouver. The high commissioner said the new Indo-Pacific strategy recognises Bangladesh in the Indo-Pacific at large and is absolutely critical for Canada and for Canadians. Read: Momen courts Canadian investors at 50th anniversary event The Canadian envoy was speaking at an event hosted by the Canada Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CanCham Bangladesh) celebrating 50 years of bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Canada. Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen spoke as the chief at the event. Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI) President Md Jashim Uddin, CanCham President Masud Rahman and Principal of Canadian International School of Bangladesh Janice Smales also spoke at the event. The Indo-Pacific region is key to Canada’s economic growth, prosperity and security. As a Pacific nation, Canada recognises that the Indo-Pacific region is critically important for the long-term prosperity, health and security of Canadians. High commissioner Nicholls said they need to bring more trade missions in both directions and laid emphasis on making people aware of the opportunities that Bangladesh offers. “We need to bring more Bangladeshis to Canada as well,” she said. Read: Russia wants to support countries in energy, food security: Ambassador The high commissioner said they never forget that both Canada and Bangladesh are promoters of democracy, diversity of languages and both countries are free traders, multilateralists and peacekeepers. “We have a lot in common.” Nicholls highly appreciated Bangladesh’s efforts in reducing poverty significantly over the past 50 years which she finds unprecedented. “Canada is honoured to be part of that journey with Bangladesh.” “So, as we move forward, we need to work together as we had done in the past. I know we have much more to achieve,” she added.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas Thursday said the Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) is a positive, shared vision for creating a region where all nations can thrive – Bangladesh, China, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, the US, and each and every other county in the region. "The Indo-Pacific Strategy is not a military alliance. Nor does it seek to become one," he said, adding that the IPS is not about a contest between a US-centric region and a China-centric region. "Indeed, we view the Indo-Pacific as its own region." Read: US engagement in Indo-Pacific not against any country: Miller While addressing the international conference on "Moving Forward in the Indo-Pacific: Bangladesh's Role in Fostering an Open, Resilient, and Interconnected Bay of Bengal and Beyond" the US envoy said the IPS is not designed to make anyone choose between countries. One of the key tenets of the strategy is that every country should be able to choose its own path, free from pressure or coercion, he said. The US Embassy in Dhaka and the Centre for Bay of Bengal Studies of Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) jointly organised the conference at the university auditorium. The US ambassador said they will seek "closer security cooperation" with partners to tackle challenges – violent extremism, illegal fishing and human trafficking where Bangladesh has made incredible strides. "The United States is proud to partner with Bangladesh on these challenges and more," he said. Ambassador Haas said they are developing a comprehensive Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, which will include shared objectives in key areas – climate and clean energy, fair trade facilitation, resilient supply chains, and the digital economy. "I look forward to working on these issues with the people and the government of Bangladesh in the coming months," he said, adding that they will bolster Indo-Pacific security.

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday the Indo-Pacific strategy led by the United States is aimed at countering Beijing in a group and claimed the strategy "should be dumped at a trash heap." Speaking in a forum on global security issues discussed under China's initiative, held at Tsinghua University in Beijing, Wang warned the strategy adopted by the United States, Japan and other countries is forming a siege against Beijing. Also read: Xi takes firm line as China Communist Party marks centenary Apparently referring to the Group of Seven industrialized countries and the Quad grouping of the United States, Japan, India and Australia, Wang also said China opposes a framework of cooperation to "fuel rivalry" and "an action to accelerate division." As the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden has been increasingly promoting relations with Taiwan, Wang claimed the United States is encouraging Taiwan's independence. Also read: At 100, China’s Communist Party looks to cement its future Regarding Japan's decision to release treated radioactive water into the sea from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant announced in April, Wang urged Tokyo not to discharge the water without the consent of neighboring countries and international organizations. In the speech made two days after China celebrated the 100th birthday of the ruling Communist Party on Thursday, he said, "Today's China is no longer the same country of 100 years ago."

Bangladesh has conveyed to the United States that it is giving much focus on infrastructure development for overall economic growth of the country and showed no interest towards security aspects of the Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS).

Bangladesh has laid emphasis on enhanced trade and investment cooperation with China amid growing interest among Chinese investors to invest in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh has invited the United States to explore opportunities in offshore blocks as Bangladesh identified 20 blocks through maritime boundary settlement.

The United States has said it is "excited" to work with Bangladesh under Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS), terming Bangladesh a huge country with incredible opportunities.

Russia on Wednesday criticized the United States for introducing a new Indo-Pacific concept it said was aimed at containing China.