Dhaka: British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Sarah Cooke, reaffirmed the UK's commitment to cooperate with Bangladesh in its democratic transition and to strengthen bilateral relations. She made the pledge during an introductory meeting with Foreign Secretary Ambassador Md Jashim Uddin at his office, as stated in a press release from the foreign ministry. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the meeting focused on areas of partnership and mutual interest between the two nations. Key topics included business and trade, the repatriation of siphoned assets, maritime security, climate change, migration and mobility, and the Rohingya crisis. The Foreign Secretary acknowledged the British Government's support for the Interim Government's reform initiatives aimed at achieving a smooth democratic transition towards a discrimination-free and prosperous Bangladesh. The Foreign Secretary expressed satisfaction with the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries, which are built on a solid foundati on of diaspora, Commonwealth heritage, and shared values. The British envoy praised Dhaka's leadership in addressing regional and global challenges and assured continued UK support for Bangladesh's development priorities. Highlighting the importance of the Bangladeshi diaspora and students in the UK, the Foreign Secretary urged the High Commissioner to work on increasing UK government scholarships for Bangladeshi students and expedite visa processing for those awaiting admission to prestigious UK universities. The British High Commissioner assured that she would look into the matter. Furthermore, the Bangladesh foreign secretary appreciated the UK's role as the pen-holder in the UN Security Council on Myanmar, calling for sustained international pressure to ensure the early, sustainable, and dignified return of the Rohingyas to their homeland, Myanmar. Jashim expressed his full cooperation and support to the High Commissioner for strengthening the Bangladesh-UK partnership in the years ahead.
