Catherine West MP, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Indo-Pacific of the United Kingdom met with the Hon’ble Foreign Adviser to the Government of Bangladesh, Md. Touhid Hossain, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs this morning. The meeting featured discussion on major bilateral issues, ranging from the priorities of British and Bangladesh governments.
Hon’ble Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain thanked the UK government for its continued support to Bangladesh’s interim government, acknowledging the UK’s role in ensuring political stability and democratic progress. He emphasised that the interim Government of Bangladesh is a reflection of the aspirations of the people, particularly the nation’s youth and sought support from the UK for the reform initiatives of the Bangladesh Government.
Under-Secretary Catherine West conveyed the warm greetings of Birtish Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy. She reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to strengthening ties with Bangladesh and underscored the UK Government’s priorities on different areas including migration, maritime cooperation and cyber security.
Hon’ble Adviser Hossain sought the international community’s support for the Rohingyas and said the only solution to this crisis lies in the safe and sustainable return of the Rohingyas to their homeland in Myanmar. Minister West reiterated the UK’s strong position to resolve the Rohingya crisis and stressed on the importance of continued humanitarian assistance to the Rohingyas.
With regard to the Point-based Immigration System, Hon’ble Foreign Adviser called for the arrangement of mutual recognition of qualifications. He also raised concerns over the illicit flow of Bangladesh’s stolen wealth abroad, urging greater efforts to address the issue of asset recovery. He called for stronger cooperation with the UK to trace and return these assets to Bangladesh, a matter that remains high on the government’s agenda. Ms. West assured Hon’ble Foreign Adviser of all possible cooperation in this regard.
Both sides committed to carry forward the robust cooperation and further strengthen the bilertal relationship between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom.
The British Minister Catherine West is in Dhaka for a two-day official visit.