During his September visit, Patterson warned that Bangladesh risks derailing from the democratic path unless both the government and opposition parties work together to resolve present crisis.

He also said that the two largest political parties, ruling BNP and main opposition Awami League, should not take democracy for granted and that as the head of government, Prime Minister Khaleda Zia should arrange a dialogue between them in the interest of democracy.

Patterson also expressed serious concerns over the August 21 grenade attacks on the AL and the May 21 grenade attack in Sylhet on British High Commissioner Anwar Choudhury.

Patterson, who has extensive experience in Asian affairs, is likely to bring up the issue of a possible

US-Bangladesh joint working group on counter-terrorism.

US embassy officials, however, did not say anything about the purpose and itinerary of Patterson's visit due to 'unavailability of any planned schedule'.