United News of Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday sought greater collaboration with the United Kingdom in strengthening Bangladesh’s healthcare system. The issue was discussed during a meeting with UK Trade Envoy to Bangladesh Baroness Rosie Winterton, held at the State Guest House Jamuna. Regarding the timing of the next general election, the Chief Adviser reiterated that if political parties agree on a shorter reform process, elections could take place in December, according to Chief Adviser’s press wing. “But if a more extensive reform path is chosen, the election can be held by June,” he added. There’s fresh impetus for Bangladesh-UK to work more closely : British trade envoy Highlighting Bangladesh’s pressing need for a skilled healthcare workforce, Prof Yunus said, “We currently have a shortage of nurses. But nursing is not just a national concern—it’s a global necessity. We want to train more nurses not only for Bangladesh but also for the world.” The Chief Adviser invited UK support to strengthen Bangladesh’s under-resourced health sector and noted that the government-run health programmes are nearly non-functional.

Extending the UK’s full support to Bangladesh to chart a “peaceful transition” to an “inclusive, prosperous and democratic” future, its trade envoy for Bangladesh Baroness Winterton of Doncaster DBE on Wednesday  said there is a fresh impetus for the two countries to refresh their bonds and work ever more closely together on economic, trade and investment fronts. “The UK and Bangladesh economic, trade and investment relationship is stronger than ever. I can tell there is a fresh impetus for us to refresh our bonds and work ever more closely together,” she said, adding that the UK will remain a steadfast partner to Bangladesh, and their businesses and people in both countries will play an important role in that endeavour. Speaking at the Bangladesh Investment Summit’s formal inaugural session, the British trade envoy said today’s event lays the foundation for unlocking these opportunities.  Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus attended the event as the chief guest. She said one of the challenges that affect everyone in Dhaka is its infamous traffic, which really dents productivity. “That is why London’s transport authority, Transport for London, is working with Dhaka city authorities to test ideas that can help reduce traffic jams,” Baroness Winterton said. Keen to Expand Operations The trade envoy said she is aware that many British and international businesses see the growth and opportunities of this market and want to expand their operations here. “But at the same time, we also hear concerns from businesses about laws, regulations and red tape that make it more difficult for them,” she said, adding that they are keen to help Bangladesh take full advantage of global business through an enhanced and enabling environment that rationalises the cost of doing business, removes regulatory bottlenecks and ensures protection for intellectual property rights. The UK welcomed BIDA’s steps to implement as many reforms as quickly as possible – this is injecting confidence to foreign investors that Bangladesh is open for business. “We are providing technical expertise to BIDA to develop its analytical capability, continuing a collaboration that goes back more than 20 years.” Moving to the climate partnership that they are working together to unlock investment in clean energy and climate adaptation solutions, she said they want to harness the UK’s world leading financial sector and renewable energy expertise to help deliver Bangladesh’s climate ambitions. Post LDC-era As Bangladesh prepares to engage and enhance its trading relationships in the post-LDC era, the trade envoy said her government is providing technical assistance to the Ministry of Commerce to strengthen their capability on trade policy and negotiations. The Revenue & Customs will be providing capacity building support to the customs wing of the National Board of Revenue to enhance trade facilitation. “Taken together, these initiatives constitute significant UK contributions for Bangladesh’s LDC graduation process,” she said. Moreover, in support of the Interim Government’s economic priorities, the UK is playing a proud role in supporting macro-economic stability and restoring confidence in Bangladesh’s banking sector. This allows Bangladesh tap into the world-leading UK expertise in the financial services sector and build resilience in countering economic headwinds. She said their development financial institution, British International Investment, recognises Bangladesh as a “powerhouse market”. It is investing $450m in Bangladeshi companies between 2022 and 2026. Sitting alongside this, she said their export credit agency, UK Export Finance, remains committed to supporting private sector growth with up to £2bn cover available to support projects in Bangladesh across all sectors. Much Closer Defence Collaboration In defence, Baroness Winterton said they both share a deep and enduring commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. “There is significant potential for much closer defence collaboration over the coming years, building on our enduring military-to-military partnership. I see opportunities to unlock ready-to-go opportunities in the maritime sector and in wider defence procurement partnerships,” she said.  Baroness Winterton said the UK is also committed to supporting Bangladesh’s ambition to becoming a knowledge-based economy. UK intensely focused on building economic partnership with Bangladesh, says its trade envoy “Transnational education, or TNE, plays a vital role in this by bringing world class UK education directly to Bangladeshi students. This not only equips graduates with the skills needed for the global workforce but also strengthens Bangladesh’s appeal as an investment destination,” she said. The trade envoy said while some excellent UK TNE programmes already exist here, they see significant potential to expand these partnerships. The UK government, through initiatives led by the British High Commission and the British Council in Dhaka, is actively working to foster an environment where these collaborations can flourish, she said, adding that they believe that by working together, they can further strengthen the educational ties between our nations, benefitting both the economies and people. “So now as Bangladesh diversifies, I call to action British companies across all industries to come out to Bangladesh and seize the opportunities here,” said the trade envoy. She was with Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury last month at the UK Government’s Indo-Pacific Trade Roadshow in London and she heard him share the exciting prospects to do business in this country. “As he and I discussed, I am particularly pleased that we are working closely with Bangladesh on our shared ambitions in aviation, defence, financial services, higher education and the transition to cleaner economic growth,” Baroness Winterton said. The UK and Bangladesh has a shared endeavour of economic growth, job creation and prosperity – as this Summit exemplifies. Sustainable Future for Rohingyas On the Rohingya crisis, she said the world has witnessed the generosity of the Bangladeshi people for welcoming over a million Rohingya refugees who fled persecution and violence in Myanmar. “As we enter the eighth year of this crisis, the situation in Myanmar remains bleak,” she said, adding that the UK has unwavering support for Bangladesh and the Rohingya people. Baroness Winterton said they will continue to do everything they can to support those in need, while actively working towards a safe, dignified, and sustainable future for the Rohingya people. The UK extended its heartfelt thanks to Bangladesh for its generous hospitality in hosting the refugee population. Baroness Winterton said the UK is working with the interim government on their priorities to restore law and order, ensure accountability and promote national unity. As the UK government now focuses on growth and jobs, and places this at the heart of their foreign policy, she said the UK remains “laser-focused” on building the economic partnership that will boost two-way trade and investment between the two countries. The UK is one of the biggest sources of Foreign Direct Investment in Bangladesh. It is the third largest market for Bangladeshi ready-made garments; and Bangladesh is the biggest beneficiary of the UK’s trade preference scheme, the Developing Countries Trading Scheme. “This gives Bangladesh duty free and quota free access to the UK market until 2029. And after that date, 92% of Bangladesh’s exports will continue to get duty free access to the UK,” said the British trade envoy. The scheme also encouraged Bangladesh to diversify its exports to the UK beyond garments - laying the groundwork for Bangladesh’s economic security ahead of LDC graduation next year. The envoy said the Developing Countries Trading Scheme provides opportunities for UK buyers and Bangladeshi suppliers across an increasing range of products. Óscar García Maceiras, CEO of Inditex and Apex Footwear Limited Managing Director Syed Nasim Manzur spoke as the government wanted to know foreign and local investors’ views on the investment front. Advisers of the interim government, including Finance Adviser Dr Salahuddin Ahmed, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin, Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul and Executive Chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), among others, joined the inaugural event. SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed and Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam also joined the event where Special Envoy Lutfey Siddiqi welcomed all.

British trade envoy to Bangladesh (Rt. Hon.) Baroness Rosie Winterton of Doncaster DBE on Tuesday said the United Kingdom (UK) is “laser-focused” on building an economic partnership with Bangladesh that will boost two-way trade and investment between the two countries. “From being the third largest market for Bangladeshi ready-made garments to being one of the largest foreign investors in Bangladesh, the UK already has strong foundations to build on and I look forward to solidifying it even further through this visit,” she said. Baroness Winterton’s discussions with key stakeholders will focus on the UK’s work with the interim government on vital economic reforms, the opportunities arising from the commitment to duty free, quota free access to the UK market until 2029 and identifying opportunities to strengthen trade and investment in sectors such as education, aviation, defence and renewable energy.   The UK trade envoy is visiting Dhaka to strengthen and expand the longstanding economic and trade partnership between the UK and Bangladesh.    While in Dhaka, she will be meeting key officials from the interim government of Bangladesh, political parties and business leaders. Dr Yunus to hold breakfast meetings with Chinese, Korean investors to fast-track investment She will also participate in the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025. She will be joined by Harjinder Kang, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner to South Asia. On her first visit to Bangladesh as UK Trade Envoy, Baroness Winterton will meet Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy on International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi, Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin and Education Minister Prof Dr Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar. Her meetings will focus on how the two countries will deepen their trade and investment relationship and deliver mutually beneficial growth and job creation. With Harjinder Kang, she will also meet key stakeholders from the business community and will deliver a keynote speech at the inauguration ceremony of the Bangladesh Investment Summit on April 9 to underscore the UK government’s growth mission. British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke said the UK is a major economic and trading partner of Bangladesh, and this visit reiterates the UK’s commitment to boosting two-way trade and investment and supporting Bangladesh’s work on vital economic reforms. “I am delighted to welcome the UK Trade Envoy to Bangladesh the Rt. Hon. the Baroness Winterton of Doncaster DBE in her first visit to the country in her new role,” she said. The UK is one of the largest foreign investors in Bangladesh and this visit aims to deepen collaboration in key sectors including education, aviation, defence and renewable energy, said the High Commissioner. Foreign investors express keen interest in Bangladesh: BIDA “The visit will also explore opportunities to increase the presence of UK education institutions. These projects signify major investment opportunities and reflect the UK’s commitment to Bangladesh,” she said. Baroness Winterton of Doncaster was appointed as the United Kingdom Trade Envoy to Bangladesh in January 2025. She plays a key role in strengthening trade and investment ties between the UK and Bangladesh.

UK’s Minister for South Asia Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon on Monday expressed optimism that the citizens of Bangladesh will have an open and vigorous debate about the country’s direction as Bangladesh approaches its next election period. “Inclusive politics are essential for every country’s prosperity, something that the Father of the Nation (Bangabandhu) Sheikh Mujibur Rahman knew very well,” he said, adding that the constitution (Bangladesh) emphasizes both transparency and due process which is a real guiding right to everyone. The British Minister said Bangladesh, on Bangabandhu’s legacy, has built something quite remarkable and there is an opportunity for this great nation to go even further. He made the remarks while delivering keynote speech at a programme titled “Bangladesh-UK: Partners in Progress' with Foreign Secretary (Senior Secretary) Masud Bin Momen as the chair. The event was held at the Foreign Service Academy. Lord Ahmad, also the Minister for the United Nations and the Commonwealth at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), said as a steadfast friend and partner of Bangladesh they value this unique relationship and friendship. “Our message is simple - to all of you from all of us. I assure we’re partners for today and for the future. As close and honest friends, we look forward to further strengthening this unique partnership,” he said. Read:'Bangladesh a compelling case for UK investors'

State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam has called upon the young people and climate activists of Bangladesh and the UK to join hands and emerge as the greatest force for good for their respective countries in protecting the planet.  He urged them to raise their voices at the COP26 and beyond, and be an asset to their local communities in saving the planet, people and nature for succeeding generations. "There is no planet B or plan B." Read Dhaka, London hopeful of signing climate accord before COP26 The State Minister was addressing a youth climate dialogue titled "Bangladesh-UK Youth Voices on Climate Action: The Road to Glasgow" held virtually on Friday night. 

British Foreign and Development Office (FCDO) Minister for South Asia and Commonwealth Lord Tariq Ahmed has said Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman laid the foundation of a strong partnership and deep friendship that Bangladesh-UK has been enjoying in the past five decades. He lauded Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for upholding the spirit and values of Bangabandhu in building a self-reliant, secular and inclusive Bangladesh with maximal climate prosperity and resilient green future; and reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to remain a critical partner of Bangladesh seeking to support peace and prosperity for its entire people. Addressing a virtual programme in London recently, the British Minister congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the people of Bangladesh and the British-Bangladeshis as Bangladesh celebrated 50 years of its Independence, according to Bangladesh High Commission in London. Bangladesh High Commission in London commenced a nine-month celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Bangladesh’s Independence and hosted a high-profile discussion and diplomatic reception held recently where ministers, leader of the opposition, members of House of Lords, Mayor of London and eminent parliamentarians from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales paid their profound homage to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the martyrs of 1971 War of Liberation. They highly praised Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for the unprecedented growth and prosperity the country achieved under her visionary leadership. Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK and Ireland Saida Muna Tasneem chaired the event. Also read: Bangabandhu is an inspiration to many who fight for liberty, democracy: UK Minister Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, Labour Party Deputy Leader and Chair Angela Rayner, MP, Foreign Affairs Select Committee Chair at the House of Commons Tom Tugendhat, MP, Conservative Party Vice-Chair Ms Nickie Aiken, MP, International Ambassador of the Conservative Party Lord Hannan, Chair of All-party Parliamentary Group on Bangladesh and the UK’s Trade Envoy for Bangladesh Rushanara Ali, MP, Apsana Begum, MP, Sarah Boyack, MSP and IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim spoke as panelists.

Bangladesh has sought support from the UK and other developed countries to ensure concessional finance and access to technology for all developing countries, and LDCs, especially due to the unprecedented socio-economic impacts of Covid-19.