Staff Correspondent
Nov 2, 2023.
British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, H.E. Sarah Cooke, called on Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan on Tuesday, according to press release.
The wide-ranging discussion reflected the strength of the UK and Bangladesh’s modern economic, trade and security partnership.
The High Commissioner and Home Minister discussed next steps in enhancing bilateral security cooperation between the UK and Bangladesh, in line with commitments undertaken by both sides during the Fifth UK-Bangladesh Strategic Dialogue, which was held in Dhaka on 12 September 2023.
The High Commissioner and Home Minister agreed to hold the first UK-Bangladesh Joint Working Group discussion in mid-November to enhance bilateral migration and security cooperation.
They also discussed the UK’s development contribution to Bangladesh through its Acess to Justice Programme which has worked to support poor and vulnerable people to have better access to the justice system, through paralegal services.
Turning to the upcoming elections, the High Commissioner reiterated the UK’s deep concern at the violence and loss of life seen on 28 October. She expressed the UK’s call for all stakeholders to exercise restraint, eschew violence and work together to create the conditions for free, fair, participatory, and peaceful elections.