British High Commissioner to Bangladesh and Honourable Chief Adviser Sarah Cooke has met and discussed the breadth and depth of the UK-Bangladesh relationship with H.E. Professor Muhammad Yunus.
They discussed how the UK government can support the interim government, as it charts a new inclusive and democratic future for Bangladesh. Discussions also covered the importance of youth engagement to navigate the challenges that lie ahead.
Sarah Cooke said that, “As Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer wrote in his letter to the Honourable Chief Adviser, the UK government warmly welcomes the appointment of H.E Professor Yunus and the interim government. The interim government has the UK’s full support as it works to restore peace and order, ensure accountability and promote national reconciliation. We look forward to working with H.E. Professor Yunus and the interim government as they chart a peaceful transition to an inclusive, prosperous and democratic future for Bangladesh.”
The UK is a longstanding partner and friend of Bangladesh and the two countries share a strong and enduring relationship, solidified by their deep people-to-people links and shared Commonwealth values. The UK government earlier welcomed the appointment of the interim government in Bangladesh, led by H.E. Professor Yunus.
In early July, a university student protest began over Bangladesh’s job quota system that disproportionately benefits the descendants of Bangladesh’s 1971 liberation war fighters, which many students view as unfair and outdated. A week into the protest, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country leading Muhammad Yunus to be named as Bangladesh’s interim leader.