Bangladesh
Bangladesh-UK British High Commissioner expects next BD national polls will be free, fair and participatory
Dhaka, July 12: Newly appointed British High Commissioner in Dhaka Sarah Cooke has expressed hope that the upcoming 12th National Parliament elections in Bangladesh will be free, fair, peaceful and participatory.
She expressed this hope during a courtesy meeting with Foreign Minister Dr. AK Abdul Momen at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday. Meanwhile, Dr. Momen welcomed the foreign observers to the upcoming national elections.
During the meeting, Sarah Cooke assured Bangladesh of the political and humanitarian support of the British government in the ongoing Rohingya crisis and ease of visa issuance for Bangladeshi citizens including students.
The British High Commissioner emphasized the commitment of Bangladeshi politicians to hold a free, fair and impartial election in Bangladesh. While congratulating Sarah Cooke, Dr. Momen recalled talking to the late British Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles on different occasions. He also mentioned Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's attendance at Elizabeth II's funeral and King Charles III's coronation ceremony.
Dr. Momen recalled the beginning of historical relations between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom on January 4, 1972. The Foreign Minister also highlighted the warm welcome of then British Prime Minister Sir Edward Heath to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in London on his way back to independent Bangladesh after being freed from Pakistan prison.
The Foreign Minister highlighted the wonderful socio-economic development of Bangladesh under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He termed the bilateral relations of the two countries as very strong.
Dr. Momen also appreciated the UK's support in Bangladesh's development journey. He also told the British High Commissioner that both countries share the same values of human rights and democracy.
Bangladesh's top diplomat called for more UK investment in agricultural processing, renewable and carbon-neutral energy and civil aviation. Dr. Momen sought the UK's support in combating the adverse effects of climate change and in the election of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General and Council members.
The British High Commissioner highlighted the historical relationship between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom, the relationship between the people of the two countries and the common values of the commonwealth. She also highlighted the visit of high-level officials of both sides in various fields including defense, civil aviation, climate sector.
