Dhaka:President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has urged British lawmakers to enhance parliamentary cooperation between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom. This appeal was made during a meeting with a delegation from the UK All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Bangladesh at Bangabhaban.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the delegation was headed by Apsana Begum, chair of the APPG and a British MP of Bangladeshi descent. Members Shockat Adam, MP, and Lord Qurban Hussain from the House of Lords were also in attendance. President's Press Secretary Md Sarwar Alam provided a briefing to reporters following the meeting.
During the discussions, President Alamgir emphasized the significance of Bangladesh's long-standing relationship with the UK, highlighting it as a crucial economic and development ally and one of Bangladesh's largest export destinations. He expressed appreciation for the UK's democratic traditions and governance practices, advocating for further strengthening of parliamentary cooperation through reciprocal visits, exchanges between parliamentary committees, and training programs for officials.
Additionally, President Alamgir expressed hope that the APPG would initiate the formation of a Bangladesh-UK Parliamentary Friendship Group in the Jatiya Sangsad. Apsana Begum congratulated him on his election as President and commended his efforts in the struggle for the restoration of democracy despite facing significant repression.
The delegation also praised Bangladesh for conducting a free and fair national election. President Alamgir affirmed that the 2026 parliamentary election was acknowledged as free and fair both domestically and internationally. He noted that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is leveraging the experience of British institutions to strengthen various institutions in Bangladesh. He added that the British Parliament is seen as a model for Bangladesh's legislative body.
The meeting was attended by the President's military secretary, secretary, and press secretary, who were also present during the discussions.