On November 17, 2024, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir met with UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Catherine West, at the British High Commissioner's residence in Dhaka. The hour-long meeting focused on various mutual interests, although specific details of the discussions were not disclosed [f67bf11f].
Catherine West's visit is part of a two-day official trip to Bangladesh, during which she also met with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain. A significant topic of discussion was the tracing and returning of Bangladesh's stolen wealth, with West assuring her government's cooperation in this matter [f67bf11f].
The UK government has expressed its support for Bangladesh's interim government, emphasizing the importance of political stability in the region. This sentiment was echoed by Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma, who highlighted India's commitment to fostering constructive ties with Bangladesh during a seminar held on the same day [f67bf11f].
In a related development, a US government-led delegation is set to arrive in Dhaka on November 22, 2024, to discuss economic resilience, stability, and job creation in Bangladesh. The delegation, led by Special Representative for International Labour Affairs Kelly M. Fay Rodriguez and Deputy Undersecretary Thea Lee, will meet with interim government officials, garment producers, and labor union stakeholders during their visit, which will last until November 25, 2024. The discussions aim to bolster Bangladesh's economy, democracy, and labor standards, emphasizing the US commitment to economic development and labor rights [20c247a0][7aa83495].
Additionally, the US Embassy recently celebrated the successful completion of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs program, underscoring the vital role of women in economic development. This initiative aligns with the broader discussions on economic cooperation between Bangladesh and its international partners [f67bf11f].