UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific Catherine West today said her government would extend full support for Bangladesh:acific Catherine West today said her government would extend full support for Bangladesh, including in its efforts to bring back billions of dollars of laundered money. She made the comments when she called on Bangladesh Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna here.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the British minister expressed her government’s commitment to aid Bangladesh in its endeavors to retrieve the vast sums of money siphoned abroad during Sheikh Hasina’s nearly sixteen-year-long tenure.
Prof Yunus thanked West, emphasizing that returning funds laundered by corrupt politicians, oligarchs, and bureaucrats is a top priority for the interim government. Citing a recent Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) report, he noted that over 12 billion dollars are illicitly transferred abroad each year. During their meeting, Prof Yunus elaborated on his
government’s reform initiatives aimed at restructuring key institutions and the election commission to ensure free and fair elections, moving away from the vote rigging prevalent under the previous regime.
West endorsed the reforms, highlighting Britain’s desire to see vibrant debates on electoral, judiciary, and constitutional reforms, stating, “Debates are very important.” She further announced a 10.3 million UK grant to provide essential services and assistance to Rohingya refugees and those affected by natural disasters in Bangladesh.
Prof Yunus also reiterated his proposition for a “UN-overseen safe zone” in Myanmar’s Rakhine to prevent communities from fleeing to Bangladesh, ensuring charities can deliver aid directly. Their discussion also covered geopolitical issues, minority rights, and Bangladesh’s recent energy agreement with Nepal.
Yunus affirmed his government’s support for creating a South Asia electricity grid to import renewable energy from Nepal and Bhutan, reducing Bangladesh’s reliance
on fossil fuels. He acknowledged the need for collaboration with India to achieve this.
Additionally, Sarah Cook, the British High Commissioner to Dhaka, mentioned the arrival of a UK medical team to treat students and demonstrators critically injured during the July-August mass uprising, performing three surgeries daily.