Bangladesh committed to democratic principles, envoy tells British Parliament

Bangladesh High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Abida Islam has described the recent national parliamentary election as a defining milestone in the country's democratic journey, reaffirming the government's commitment to democracy, rule of law and human rights.

Speaking at a panel titled "Bangladesh Election: What Next?", the high commissioner said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman envisions a nation built on economic and social inclusion, with the ambitious goal of transforming Bangladesh into a trillion-dollar economy.

The discussion, organised by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), was held yesterday (24 February) in a committee room of the British Parliament. The session was chaired and moderated by British MP Apsana Begum, according to a message received here today (25 February).

Distinguished speakers included Baroness Winterton, UK Trade Envoy for Bangladesh; Chietigj Bajpaee, Senior Research Fellow for South Asia at Chatham House; and Sohela Nazneen, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Development Studies (IDS). Among the attendees were former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, MP Rupa Huq, prominent journalists and human rights activists.

Abida Islam said the government is dedicated to implementing meaningful reforms to improve the lives of all Bangladeshis, noting that there are significant similarities between the BNP's election manifesto and the July Charter regarding reform initiatives.

Outlining the economic vision of the new government, she said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman aims to transform Bangladesh into a trillion-dollar economy based on economic and social inclusion. She cited the "Family Card" scheme as a key initiative promoting social protection and advancing women's rights.

On foreign policy, the High Commissioner said the "Bangladesh First" approach prioritises friendly relations with all countries while safeguarding sovereignty and national interests.

Baroness Winterton congratulated Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on assuming office and reaffirmed the United Kingdom's interest in expanding trade cooperation. Referring to her recent visit to Bangladesh, she said the country's growth potential can best be realised in a stable democratic environment.

Regarding the repatriation of assets allegedly laundered from Bangladesh to the UK, Baroness Winterton said the British government is actively supporting the process.

Concluding the discussion, Chietigj Bajpaee observed that, given the prevailing political climate, the BNP's electoral victory had been widely anticipated.