Newly appointed British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Alison Blake yesterday said Britain would continue to support Bangladesh in the country's development efforts.

"We'll continue support to the development efforts of Bangladesh", Blake said when she made a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her office.

PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed the reporters after the meeting.

The British High Commissioner said that she would work for further strengthening the bilateral ties of the two countries.

She said that the British businesses want to expand their operations in Bangladesh, especially in the energy sector.

Blake also praised highly the performances of the Bangladeshi students in their 'O Level' and 'A Level' examinations.

The new envoy informed the Prime Minister that she was overwhelmed to see the enthusiasm at the ongoing Amar Ekushey Boi Mela in the capital's Bangla Academy.

Recalling the support and contribution of British people and political leadership during the War of Liberation, Hasina appreciated the continued British development assistance to Bangladesh since its independence.

Expressing satisfaction over the existing bilateral relations between the two countries, Hasina hoped that this would further be strengthened in the future.

She also assured the British High Commissioner of providing all-out support and cooperation while discharging her duties during her stay in Bangladesh.