UK supports Bangladesh’s democratic recovery; Minister Catherine West meets chief advisor Yunus

Visit to broaden economic and security partnership between Dhaka and London: British High Commissioner

UNB

November 16, 2024, 11:55 am

Last modified: November 16, 2024, 11:58 am

British Minister Catherine West. Photo: collected

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British Minister Catherine West. Photo: collected

British Minister for the Indo-Pacific Catherine West will discuss her country’s continued support for political and economic reforms, security, trade cooperation and migration as she begins her short visit to Bangladesh yesterday (Nov 15).

The British minister will meet Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus and Foreign Affairs Advisor Md Touhid Hossain during her visit. It is the first British ministerial visit to Bangladesh since the formation of the interim government.

The visit also includes meetings with political and business leaders and members of civil society.

Minister West said: “The UK supports the interim government’s work to build a more prosperous and democratic future for the Bangladeshi people.”

She will announce new UK funding to support Rohingya refugees and their host communities with essential services and assistance.

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke said: “I am delighted to welcome British Minister for the Indo-Pacific Catherine West to Bangladesh.”

This visit will deepen and broaden Britain’s economic and security partnership with Bangladesh, the High Commissioner said.

“Bangladesh is currently undergoing a transformation, and as an old friend, Britain will assist in the economic and political reforms that will help Bangladesh continue its social and economic growth towards an inclusive and democratic future.”

Student-led protests over the summer resulted in shocking loss of life and injuries. British support following the mass uprising included the deployment of a specialist medical team to treat some of the most seriously injured during the protests.

Rohingya refugees and the communities hosting them in Bangladesh will receive vital aid and services through new UK funding.

Bangladeshis affected by natural disasters this year will also receive UK-funded aid.

Since the establishment of the interim government in August 2024, Britain has been clear in its support of its work on accountability and creating a path to an inclusive democratic future for Bangladesh.

Minister Catherine West will meet with student leaders and political parties to discuss UK support for Bangladesh’s democratic recovery, and with business leaders to discuss how the UK government can continue to build strong ties and promote mutually beneficial trade and investment stimulate.

The recently announced UK funding has already fed 200,000 Rohingya refugees for three months. It will now provide further support to Rohingya refugees with clean water, hygiene and sanitation facilities, basic healthcare, protection services and shelter materials.

Britain will also provide aid to those affected by natural disasters in Bangladesh earlier this year.