DHAKA, Nov 6, 2024 (BSS) - British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah 
Cooke today reaffirmed the UK's commitment to cooperate Bangladesh in its 
democratic transition and strengthen bilateral relations. 
 
She made the pledge while paid an introductory call on Foreign Secretary 
Ambassador Md Jashim Uddin at his office today, said a foreign ministry's 
press release here. 
 
The meeting was focused on the areas of partnership and mutual interest 
between Bangladesh and the UK, particularly business and trade, repatriation 
of siphoned assets, maritime security, climate change, migration and 
mobility, and Rohingya issue.
 
The Foreign Secretary acknowledged the British Government's support to the 
Interim Government for its 'reform initiatives for a smooth democratic 
transition towards discrimination free and prosperous Bangladesh'. 
 
He also expressed satisfaction over the excellent bilateral relations between 
the two countries that have a solid base on diaspora, Commonwealth heritage 
and shared values. 
 
Referring to the people-to-people relation and political and economic ties 
between Bangladesh and the UK, the envoy lauded Dhaka's leadership in 
addressing regional and global challenges and assured the continued UK 
support for Bangladesh's development priorities.
 
The Foreign Secretary highlighted that the Bangladeshi diaspora and students 
in the UK play a vital role in Bangladesh-UK relations. 
 
He urged the High Commissioner to work on increasing UK government 
scholarships for Bangladeshi students and to speed up visa processing for 
those awaiting admission to prestigious UK universities.
 
The British high commissioner assured to look into the matter.
 
Bangladesh foreign secretary appreciated UK's role as the pen-holder in the 
UN Security Council on Myanmar and called for sustained pressure from the 
international community to ensure early, sustainable and dignified return of 
the Rohingyas to their homeland, Myanmar.
 
Jashim expressed his full cooperation and support to the High Commissioner 
for strengthening the Bangladesh-UK partnership in the years ahead.