Bangladesh's people deserve 'peaceful future, accountability': British minister

UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific Catherine West, who arrived today (16 November), said the people of Bangladesh deserve a pathway to a "peaceful future and accountability" after a turbulent few months.

"I am here to discuss how the UK can best support the work of the interim government to stabilise its economy and move towards a peaceful and democratic future," she said.

The UK minister will meet Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain tomorrow (17 November), marking the first UK ministerial visit to the country since the formation of the interim government.

She will discuss her country's ongoing support for political and economic reforms, security, trade cooperation and UK-Bangladesh migration.

The British minister said Bangladesh and the UK share a unique and historic partnership, cemented by people-to-people ties and shared commonwealth values.

The visit also includes meetings with political and business leaders and civil society.

Minister Catherine 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 Bangladeshi communities which host them 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 continue its social and economic growth as it moves towards an inclusive and democratic future."  

Protests over the summer saw the shocking loss of lives and injuries.

The UK's support following this has included the deployment of a specialised medical team to care for some of those more critically wounded during protests over the summer.  

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 interim government's work on accountability and creating a pathway to an inclusive democratic future for Bangladesh.

The UK Minister 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 2,00,000 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.

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