“Bangladesh ready to partner with UK for vaccine research”

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (September 16, 2022) invited the UK businessmen to avail the investment opportunities in Bangladesh.

Sheikh Hasina made the call when Lord Karan Bilimoria of Chelsea, also president of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), paid a courtesy call on her at the latter's place of residence on the second day of her official visit to the UK.

Lord Bilimoria briefed the prime minister about his work in support of the UK's curry industry, according to the Prime Minister Press Wing.

The premier flagged her government's efforts to promote vaccine development research and Bangladesh's readiness to partner with international institutes or businesses with interest in the matter.

Lord Bilimoria commended the prime minister for her leadership in upholding Bangladesh's founding principles and sustained economic development.

He is the first South Asian of Parsi background to sit in the UK's House of Lords.

Sheikh Hasina paid tribute to the contributions of Lord Bilimoria's late father General Faridoon Bilimoria of the Indian army during Bangladesh's War of Independence.

Lord Bilimoria expressed interest in forging higher education partnership with Bangladesh in his capacity as the Chancellor of Birmingham University.

He also invited the PM to the University to speak on a topic of her choice.

The Bangladesh premier briefed Bilimoria on the growing start-up scene in Bangladesh.

They both mourned the demise of Queen Elizabeth II.

Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, Senior Secretary at the Prime Minister's Office Mohammed Tofazzel Hossain Miah, and Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK Saida Muna Tasneem were present at the meeting.

The premier is now on an official tour to the UK and the US to join the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).