‘Bangladesh role model of positive change’
Says UK high commissioner, marking 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-UK relations
UK High Commissioner Robert Chatterton Dickson said Bangladesh has become a role model of positive transformation, while continuing to tackle political and governance challenges as a vibrant, independent nation.
He made the remarks in a statement yesterday, marking the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-UK's diplomatic relationship, mentioning how proud the UK is in this journey.
He recalled Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's historic trip to the UK in January 1972 and his meeting with UK Prime Minister Edward Heath before returning to his newly-born home from Pakistan jail.
This journey forged a new friendship and accelerated the recognition of Bangladesh as an independent nation.
Dickson noted that humanitarian relief contribution was the initial support for Bangladesh, but then it eventually moved to research, health, education, disaster risk reduction, poverty alleviation and women empowerment.
As Bangladesh continued to grow, UK diversified its relationship by helping with capacity building for Bangladesh military staff, police, and government officials.
Meanwhile, many Bangladeshis made the UK their home. Now, around 6,00,000 people of Bangladeshi origin live in the UK.