UK committed to remain steadfast partner to Bangladesh both in Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ambition for a prosperous Bangladesh following her re-appointment as Prime Minister for the third consecutive term and in response to the Rohingya crisis including their safe and dignified return to their own country Myanmar. Meanwhile, the British government has pledged to continue its support for the displaced Rohingya people in Bangladesh as well as the host community. This came when the visiting UK Secretary of State for Development Cooperation Rt Hon Ms Penelope Mary Mordaunt had a meeting today with Bangladesh Minister of State of Foreign Affairs Mr. Md. Shahriar Alam MP at State Guest House Padma. State Minister Shahriar Alam welcomed British commitment and emphasized the need for early repatriation of Rohingyas. Various bilateral issues, Brexit etc. were also briefly touched upon in the meeting.
State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Dr. Md. Enamur Rahman MP and senior officials from the Foreign Ministry including Director General (West Europe & EU) Mohammad Khorshed Alam Khastagir joined State Minister Alam in the meeting.
On the British side, British High Commissioner in Dhaka Ms Alison Blake was present in the meeting.
British Secretary of State’s delegation also included Ms Lynn Davidson, Special Advisor to Secretary of State, Ms. Evelyn N A Griffiths, Private Secretary to Secretary of State and Department for International Development of UK’s Director Mr. Peter Vowels and Head of News Ms. Tanya Catherine Holden, Mr. Jim McAlpine, Head of DFID in Bangladesh, and Mr. Abu Zaki, Haed of Political Section in British High Commission in Dhaka.
State Minister Shahriar Alam also hosted a luncheon in honor of the visiting British Secretary of State and her delegation at the same venue that saw Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni MP attending.
Yesterday the British delegation visited Kutupalong Camps in Cox’s Bazar to review the DFID funded projects for the Rohingya refugees and host community. They also held meetings with RRRC and Cox’s Bazar district administration and discussed overall situation of Rohingya camps there. The DFID Secretary of State will fly back to London this evening.