Bangladesh-UK ties grow broader, strategic: Cooke

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke today (28 April) said Bangladesh-UK relations have grown deeper, broader and more strategic, spanning trade, climate, security, migration and democratic cooperation.

"What I see is a partnership that has grown deeper and wider, more strategic and more future-oriented, reflecting the pace of change in Bangladesh itself and a shared outlook on global challenges," she said at the flagship DCAB Talk, organised by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Bangladesh (DCAB) at the Jatiya Press Club. 

She said the bilateral relationship has evolved from traditional development cooperation into a modern strategic partnership encompassing political dialogue, trade and investment, climate leadership, defence and security cooperation, tackling illegal migration and collaboration on regional issues such as the Rohingya crisis.

Referring to Bangladesh's recent democratic transition, the envoy said the UK worked closely with the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus and Bangladeshi institutions to support reforms, stability and a pathway to elections.

She welcomed Bangladesh's peaceful democratic transition and said the UK looks forward to working closely with the new government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on shared priorities benefiting both peoples.

On trade and investment, Cooke said the UK remains one of the largest investors in Bangladesh and a reliable long-term economic partner.
 
She said British companies have contributed to Bangladesh's economic transformation in sectors ranging from finance and fashion to education and energy.

The envoy said Bangladesh currently enjoys duty-free access to the UK market on 99.8% of product lines under the Developing Countries Trading Scheme, while 92% of product lines, including ready-made garments, would remain duty-free after graduation from least developed country status following a three-year transition period.

She said the UK is also supporting economic reforms, customs modernisation and financial sector stability in Bangladesh through partnerships with relevant institutions.

The high commissioner added that British International Investment is investing £450 million in Bangladesh between 2022 and 2026, while UK Export Finance has up to £2 billion available for projects in infrastructure, healthcare, renewable energy and aviation.

On climate cooperation, Cooke said Bangladesh is on the frontline of climate change and the UK is working jointly to strengthen resilience, improve flood forecasting and mobilise climate finance.

She also highlighted growing defence cooperation, including the recent government-to-government agreement for the transfer of the former HMS Enterprise survey vessel to Bangladesh to strengthen maritime capability in the Bay of Bengal.

Regarding the Rohingya crisis, Cooke said the UK has provided over £458 million in humanitarian support since 2017 and would continue working with Bangladesh and international partners for a durable solution.

She said the United Kingdom and Bangladesh share a long-standing partnership rooted in common values, strong people-to-people ties and mutual respect.

Cooke noted that the 650,000-strong Bangladeshi Diaspora in the UK plays an important role in the British economy, society and cultural life.

The British envoy reaffirmed that the UK would remain a predictable and long-term partner for Bangladesh as the country continues its transformation.

DCAB president AKM Moinuddin and general secretary Emrul Kayesh also spoke on the occasion.