Bangladesh High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Abida Islam, participated in a meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Bangladesh at the British Parliament yesterday, presenting the country's progress and commitment to transparency.

The meeting was organised by MP Apsana Begum, chair of the APPG.

According to a press release from the Bangladesh High Commission in the UK, Abida Islam addressed concerns over alleged violence against minorities, and said that the current interim government welcomes international observers and is committed to ensuring transparency.

She further said that Bangladesh is now an open and accountable state, where both local and international journalists and human rights activists can visit and observe the situation on the ground, according to the press release.

She further stated that previous difficulties in visa processing have been removed, and the current government has introduced a simpler and faster system.

The high commissioner emphasised the government's adherence to policies ensuring religious freedom and legal protection for all communities.

Participants at the meeting expressed concern over misinformation regarding minority issues in Bangladesh and agreed that the country has often been misrepresented in international forums.

The high commissioner also discussed recent reform initiatives and confirmed that the government has prioritised impartial investigation and justice regarding the humanitarian impact caused by security force actions during the July–August uprisings.

On the Rohingya crisis, she reiterated that Bangladesh currently hosts nearly 12 lakh Rohingya refugees and is seeking enhanced international cooperation to ensure humanitarian assistance and safe repatriation, said the press release.

Several UK parliamentarians in attendance called for the expansion of consular services beyond London and expressed their interest in maintaining close engagement with the Bangladesh High Commission.

In response, the high commissioner reassured the group that Bangladesh remains committed to respectful and equal relations with all nations.

Those present at the meeting included Apsana Begum MP, Lord Hussain, Baroness Uddin, Imran Hussain MP, Tahir Ali MP, Dawn Butler MP, Bob Blackman MP, Margaret Mullan, Lord Sahota, Paul Waugh, and Amanda Martin.