The United Kingdom’s Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, arrives in Bangladesh today for a significant two-day visit aimed at bolstering the modern economic, security, and migration partnership between the two nations. This visit underscores the UK’s commitment to strengthening ties with Bangladesh and enhancing cooperation on crucial fronts.
During her stay in Dhaka, Minister Trevelyan is scheduled to hold meetings with key figures including Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud. The discussions are expected to revolve around various aspects of bilateral cooperation, with a particular focus on migration, trade, economic reforms, and the ongoing Rohingya refugee crisis.
One of the highlights of the visit is the announcement of a new trade policy project, signifying a crucial step towards closer collaboration between the UK and Bangladesh. This project aims to provide technical assistance to Bangladesh, helping strengthen its trade policy capability and implement necessary reforms. It is geared towards supporting Bangladesh’s economic growth and facilitating its successful graduation from Least Developed Country status in 2026.
In addition to the trade policy project, Minister Trevelyan will also announce a substantial £12 million ($15 million) in new humanitarian assistance to support Rohingya refugees and host communities in Cox’s Bazar. This funding will play a vital role in providing essential services such as clean water, healthcare, shelter, and protection. Furthermore, it will contribute to the development of infrastructure in Rohingya refugee camps, enhancing resilience against natural disasters.
Expressing her views on the visit, Minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan emphasized the importance of strengthening economic ties between the UK and Bangladesh. She reiterated the UK’s unwavering support for the Rohingya community and affirmed the commitment to provide humanitarian aid to alleviate their plight.
British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Sarah Cooke, welcomed Minister Trevelyan’s visit, highlighting the deep cultural and people-to-people connections between the UK and Bangladesh. She emphasized the continued growth of the partnership, ranging from collaborative efforts to address economic challenges to steadfast support for Rohingya refugees and joint initiatives on climate change.
The UK’s sustained support for the Rohingya people remains a cornerstone of its humanitarian efforts. With this latest assistance package amounting to £12 million, the UK reaffirms its commitment to alleviating the suffering of Rohingya refugees and supporting host communities in Bangladesh. Since 2017, the UK has contributed a total of £391 million to support Rohingya refugees and neighboring host communities in Bangladesh.
As Minister Trevelyan engages in discussions and announces new initiatives, the visit is expected to further strengthen the bond between the UK and Bangladesh, fostering mutual cooperation and partnership in key areas of importance.
