British envoy presents credentials

The newly appointed High Commissioner of the United Kingdom to Bangladesh, Dr David Carter, presented his credentials to President Shahabuddin Ahmed at Bangabhaban yesterday, reports UNB.

The President said Bangladesh and the UK have historical and traditional friendly ties that predate the independence of Bangladesh.

The special relations that Bangladesh have with UK is evidenced by the fact that Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, father of the nation, chose to travel to London on his release from the Pakistani prison in 1972, on his way to Bangladesh, he said.

He observed that the relations have expanded and deepened over the years and have seen concrete manifestations through close cooperation in economic, political and cultural fields.

The President mentioned that the Bangladesh migrants in UK have contributed to forge people-to-people contact.

He said both the countries believe in democracy, a free market economy and respect for the dignity of the human person and are striving for promoting peace and security in the world.

The President appreciated the continued participation of UK in the country's development efforts. UK is a major development partner of Bangladesh, he added.

He said that despite many limitations, Bangladesh has been able to register considerable progress in institutionalisation of democracy, elimination of poverty, improvement of primary health care facilities, eradication of literacy and empowerment of women.

Dr Carter said that the ties, which bind the two peoples, are unique and rooted in history.

He mentioned the expanding trade and investment relations between the two countries and joint participation in the Commonwealth.

He appreciated the role of BBC in bringing the two peoples and the wider world together. He said he would try to promote Bangladesh-British ties.

Earlier, on his arrival at Bangabhaban, the High Commissioner was given a guard of honour by the President's Guard Regiment. He took salute and inspected the guard.

Foreign Secretary Shafi Sami, Secretary to the President Muhammad Ismail Hossain, MSP Maj Gen Jalaluddin Ahmed, Chief Protocol Mohammad Ziauddin and Press Secretary to President R N Trivedi were present on the occasion.