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President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called for increased UK cooperation in Bangladesh’s education, human resource development, and technology sectors, and for further strengthening business and investment between the two countries.
He made this call on Monday (September 14) when British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke paid a courtesy call on the President at Bangabhaban.
This information was disclosed in a press release signed by the President’s Press Secretary, Md. Sarwar Alam.
During the meeting, Sarah Cooke handed over a congratulatory letter to Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir from King Charles III of the United Kingdom on his election as President.
The President expressed his sincere gratitude to King Charles III for the greetings and congratulatory letter and requested the British High Commissioner to convey his best wishes to the King.
At this time, he sought UK cooperation in further expanding higher education opportunities for Bangladeshi students in the UK, increasing Commonwealth scholarships, developing the country’s human resources, and enhancing the capacity of education and technology-related institutions.
He stated that expatriate Bangladeshis living in Britain are making significant contributions to strengthening and developing the ties between Britain and Bangladesh. Alongside bilateral relations, as a member state of the Commonwealth, Bangladesh is working closely with the UK on various issues related to the development and common interests of Commonwealth member countries.
The President further stated that Bangladesh has returned to a democratic path through a free, fair, and peaceful election. He emphasized strengthening democratic institutions and increasing the capacity of public representatives to further solidify this trend.
Referring to the UK’s long experience in practicing Westminster-style democracy, the President stressed the importance of regular communication, mutual visits, and exchange of experiences between the parliamentarians of the two countries.
During the meeting, the High Commissioner informed that approximately 99.99 percent of Bangladeshi products, including ready-made garments, will receive duty-free and unrestricted market access to the UK market for another three years after Bangladesh’s graduation from LDC status. The President highlighted this facility as an important opportunity to further expand commercial relations between the two countries.
The British High Commissioner also briefed the President on the initiative to exchange digital climate data between Bangladesh and the UK. The President expressed satisfaction that this initiative, through the exchange of weather and climate-related information between the two countries, will make weather forecasts more accurate and play an effective role in increasing agricultural production.
During the meeting, the Secretary of the President’s Office, Press Secretary, British Deputy High Commissioner and Development Director, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other relevant departments were present.