Staff Reporter :
Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain underscored the strong bilateral relationship between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom, expressing appreciation for the support of UK parliamentarians in countering ongoing “misinformation campaigns” targeting the nation.
Touhid addressed a meeting with a delegation from the UK-Bangladesh Catalysts of Commerce and Industry (UKBCCI) held in the capital on Wednesday.
Adviser Touhid praised the robust trade and investment ties between the two countries. He encouraged British businesses to explore Bangladesh’s economic potential and called for innovative approaches to deepen the partnership further.
The UKBCCI delegation, which included Dr. Rupa Huq, a Member of Parliament in the UK’s House of Commons, highlighted Bangladesh’s significant potential, particularly its large and vibrant youth population. Dr. Huq expressed optimism for a future marked by continued progress and a corruption-free Bangladesh. She also emphasized the need to diversify Bangladesh’s export portfolio and unlock opportunities in sectors like the prawn industry.
Dr. Huq further advocated for advancements in labour rights and improvements in the legal framework to bolster Bangladesh’s economic and social reforms.
Adviser Hossain reflected on the sacrifices of students and the public during the July-August uprising, as well as the ongoing institutional and economic reforms under the interim government led by Prof. Muhammad Yunus.
The UKBCCI delegation discussed topics including market expansion, investment opportunities, and the role of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) in improving the investment climate.
They highlighted prospects for recruiting skilled Bangladeshi workers in the UK’s nursing, caregiving, hospitality, and service sectors. To enhance this effort, they stressed the importance of language training, cultural orientation, and skill development programs.
Delegates, as Bangladeshi-origin British nationals, also called for improved services from Bangladeshi missions abroad.
Both parties acknowledged Bangladesh’s vast potential amid shifting global political dynamics and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening trade and business relations between the two countries.
