UK backs Bangladesh's democratic recovery; Minister Catherine West to meet Chief Adviser Yunus

UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific Catherine West will discuss her country's ongoing support for political and economic reforms, security, trade cooperation, and migration as she begins her brief visit to Bangladesh yesterday (15 November).

The UK Minister will meet Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain during her visit, marking the first UK ministerial visit to Bangladesh since the formation of the interim government.

The visit will also include meetings with political and business leaders as well as civil society members.

Minister West said, "The UK supports the interim government's work to build a more prosperous and democratic future for the Bangladeshi people."

She will announce new UK funding to support Rohingya refugees and the host communities with essential services and assistance.

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke said, "I am delighted to welcome UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific Catherine West to Bangladesh."

This visit will deepen and broaden the UK's economic and security partnership with Bangladesh, said the High Commissioner.

"Bangladesh is currently undergoing a transformation, and as a longstanding friend, the UK will assist in the economic and political reforms which will help Bangladesh to continue its social and economic growth as it moves towards an inclusive and democratic future."

Student-led protests over the summer saw shocking loss of life and injuries. The UK's support following the mass upsurge included the deployment of a specialised medical team to care for some of the more critically wounded during the protests.

Rohingya refugees and the communities which host them in Bangladesh will receive essential assistance and services through new UK funding.

Bangladeshis affected by natural disasters this year will also receive UK-funded assistance.

Since the establishment of the Interim Government in August 2024, the UK has been clear in its support for its work on accountability and creating a pathway to an inclusive democratic future for Bangladesh.

Minister Catherine West will meet with student leaders and political parties to discuss the UK's support for Bangladesh's democratic recovery and with business leaders to discuss how the UK government can continue to create strong ties and boost mutually beneficial trade and investment.

The recently announced UK funding has already provided food to 200,000 Rohingya refugees for a three-month period. It will now provide further support to Rohingya refugees with clean water, hygiene and sanitation services, primary healthcare, protection services, and shelter materials.

The UK will also provide assistance to those impacted by natural disasters in Bangladesh earlier this year.