Last update on: Wed Sep 13, 2023 03:49 AM
The UK encourages free, fair, participatory, and peaceful elections so the people of Bangladesh can exercise their democratic rights, according to a statement issued by the UK high commission in Dhaka yesterday.
The statement also underlined the need to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms during the fifth UK-Bangladesh Strategic Dialogue held at the Foreign Service Academy (FSA) yesterday.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen led the Bangladesh side and UK Permanent Under-Secretary of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Sir Philip Barton led the UK side at the dialogue.
“Since they are our old friend and a development partner, they have an interest in our elections. We have reiterated our commitment [to holding fair polls]. We had a positive discussion,” Masud told reporters after the dialogue.
Responding to a query, he said the word participatory has many meanings.
“We have no disagreement over a free and fair election,” Masud said, adding that Bangladesh welcomes international observers for the upcoming election.
The UK reiterated its commitment towards Indo-Pacific region, while Bangladesh explained its recently-published Indo-Pacific Outlook, which speaks of a free and open Indo-Pacific. The UK and Bangladesh agreed to continue cooperation on global and regional security, according to the UK high commission statement.
The UK noted the need for improved livelihood provisions for the Rohingya, while reiterating its commitment to the goal of a safe, voluntary, and dignified return to Myanmar when the situation allows.
The UK announced a further £3m contribution to support the Rohingya, taking its total contribution since 2017 to £368m.
Sir Philip Barton said, “The dialogue is a reflection of the growing relationship between our two countries, and our desire to work together more closely on our economic, trade, and development partnerships and on regional and global security issues.”
Momen said the two countries agreed to sign Standard Operating Procedures to find ways to bring back the irregular Bangladeshis from the UK.
