Honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has emphasised the incumbent Awami League (AL) government’s commitment to holding free and fair elections in Bangladesh, similar to the United Kingdom (UK). During a meeting with UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, who was accompanied by his wife, Susannah Sparks, on May 6, Sheikh Hasina stated that the AL has “given the country’s democracy a strong footing,” and that they have taken several steps to ensure a fair election, such as introducing a voter list with photographs and transparent ballot boxes.
The UK Foreign Minister praised the government’s efforts towards ensuring transparency and fairness in the election process. He acknowledged that the introduction of the voter list with photographs and transparent ballot boxes are positive steps towards achieving a free and fair election. The UK has a long history of democratic traditions, and they stand ready to provide any support to ensure that Bangladesh’s upcoming elections are credible and transparent. The meeting between the two leaders is seen as a significant step towards strengthening the diplomatic ties between the two nations. It is hoped that such dialogues will continue in the future to enhance cooperation and mutual understanding between the two countries.
UK FM praises Bangladesh’s humanitarian role
The UK Foreign Minister highly praised the humanitarian role of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in sheltering a huge number of Rohingyas in Bangladesh. He also acknowledged the Bangladeshi government’s efforts to address the issue and promised continued UK support for the quick repatriation of the Rohingyas. Here to mention, the UK government has taken a bill on the Rohingya issue in the UN Security Council and played an effective role in passing the resolution.
Bilateral issues discussed, including climate, trade, and commerce
During the meeting, several bilateral issues, including climate, trade, and commerce, prominently came up for discussion. Bangladesh and the UK have a deep-rooted relationship that has been further consolidated over the years, according to the UK Foreign Minister, who lauded the economic advancement of Bangladesh under the dynamic leadership of Sheikh Hasina. The prime minister also spoke about Bangladesh’s good relationship with the UK, which dates back to the arrival of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in London after being released from Pakistan’s jail following the country’s independence.
PM attends Commonwealth summit and holds bilateral talks with UK PM
The prime minister’s meeting with the UK Foreign Minister was followed by her attendance at the Commonwealth heads of government meeting, a biennial summit of government leaders from all Commonwealth nations. Sheikh Hasina also held her maiden bilateral meeting with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at the bilateral meeting room of the Marlborough House of the Commonwealth Secretariat in London Pall Mall on May 5 afternoon.
UK PM calls Hasina his role model
The Bangladesh high commissioner to the UK, Saida Muna Tasneem, has reported that UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina a successful economic leader, saying, “You’re an inspiration for us.” Sunak went on to describe Sheikh Hasina as a “role model” for development. During their 35-minute meeting at the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Bilateral Meeting Room on May 5, the two leaders discussed various issues related to mutual benefits of the two countries.
Sunak also expressed his admiration for the long-standing relationship between the UK and Bangladesh, stating, “Our relation has been wonderful over the last 50 years,” and emphasized the UK’s commitment to maintaining strong ties with Bangladesh.
The prime minister arrived in London on 4 May to attend the coronation of King Charles III, on the third leg of her visits after attending a programme of the World Bank marking its 50-year partnership with Bangladesh in Washington DC, the USA and a bilateral visit to Tokyo in Japan.
PM Hasina extended congratulations to King Charles III on the occasion of his historic coronation. “On behalf of the Government and the people of Bangladesh and on my own behalf, I extend our heartiest felicitations on the glorious occasion of Your Majesty’s and Her Majesty Queen Camilla’s historic Coronation,” she said in a congratulatory message. The premier offered her wholehearted support to King Charles III as the new Monarch of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Head of the Commonwealth.
Overall, the meetings between Sheikh Hasina and the UK government officials indicate a strengthening of the relationship between Bangladesh and the UK, with discussions held on a range of issues, including democracy, trade, climate, and the Rohingya crisis.
Overall, the meetings between Sheikh Hasina and the UK government officials indicate a strengthening of the relationship between Bangladesh and the UK, with discussions held on a range of issues, including democracy, trade, climate, and the Rohingya crisis.
Cover Photo credit: Yeasin Kabir Joy
