UK Minister stresses bolstering partnership with BD

UK Minister for International Development, Jenny Chapman, arrived in Bangladesh on Thursday for a two-day visit focused on reaffirming the United Kingdom's support for Rohingya refugees and announcing new aid initiatives.

Jenny Chapman called on Bangladesh interim government's Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus. The Chief Adviser's Press Wing has informed productive discussions yesterday was held between British Minister Jenny Chapman and Dr. Muhammad Yunus on advancing UK-Bangladesh cooperation. They exchanged views on upcoming elections, strengthening migration partnerships, humanitarian response and boosting trade between Bangladesh and UK. Jenny Chapman's visit, spanning November 13-14, will include a trip to Cox's Bazar. There, she will inspect UK-funded programs designed to support the refugee population, with a particular emphasis on assisting women and girls and preventing Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).

This high-level visit follows the UK's recent announcement of a new £27 million aid package. The funding is designated for life-saving humanitarian assistance, set to benefit over half a million Rohingya refugees residing in camps in Bangladesh.

UK Minister Jenny Chapman emphasized the partnership between the two nations. "The UK is proud to stand with Bangladesh as a true partner. From supporting the Rohingya refugees being hosted by Bangladeshi communities, to tackling the climate crisis and irregular migration, our work together is delivering real and positive impacts for both our countries," she said.

The UK's long-term position remains in support of the safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar once conditions are safe to do so.

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Sarah Cooke, stated that the visit "underscores the UK's commitment to a modern, mutually beneficial development partnership with Bangladesh."

During her tour, Jenny Chapman is also scheduled to meet senior officials, including National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun. Jenny Chapman's agenda also includes a roundtable view sharing session on UK-Bangladesh cooperation on irregular migration and the unveiling of a new British support fund to combat climate change effects in Bangladesh and other vulnerable countries.