UK Minister Catherine West to Meet Bangladesh’s Yunus

UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Catherine West

UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Catherine West, will arrive in Bangladesh on Saturday for a brief visit aimed at reinforcing the UK’s continued support for the country’s political, economic, and social recovery. During her visit, she will discuss ongoing cooperation in areas such as security, trade, migration, and reforms with senior Bangladeshi officials, including Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain. This marks the first UK ministerial visit since the formation of Bangladesh’s interim government in August 2024.

In addition to her meetings with government leaders, Minister West will engage with political figures, business leaders, and civil society representatives to further strengthen UK-Bangladesh relations. Minister West stated, “The UK is committed to supporting Bangladesh’s efforts towards a more democratic and prosperous future for its people.”

As part of her visit, Minister West will announce new UK funding aimed at providing critical support to Rohingya refugees and their host communities in Bangladesh. British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Sarah Cooke, welcomed Minister West's visit, emphasizing that it would enhance the UK’s economic and security ties with Bangladesh. "Bangladesh is undergoing a transformative period, and as a long-time partner, the UK will continue to assist in the country’s political and economic reforms to foster sustainable growth and democracy,” Cooke said.

The UK’s support comes in the wake of the summer’s student-led protests, which resulted in significant loss of life and injuries. In response, the UK deployed a specialized medical team to provide urgent care to the most critically injured protestors. Minister West’s visit underscores the UK’s ongoing commitment to addressing human rights and humanitarian concerns in Bangladesh.

In addition to the new funding for Rohingya refugees, the UK government is also providing assistance to communities affected by natural disasters earlier this year. This includes support for food, clean water, sanitation, primary healthcare, and shelter materials for displaced populations.

Since the formation of the interim government, the UK has consistently expressed its backing for the government's efforts to ensure accountability and create a pathway toward a more inclusive and democratic Bangladesh. Minister West will meet with student leaders and political parties to discuss the UK’s role in supporting the country’s democratic recovery. She will also explore opportunities for strengthening trade and investment ties with business leaders to foster deeper bilateral cooperation.

Through its new funding initiatives and diplomatic support, the UK is reaffirming its commitment to Bangladesh’s continued transformation and long-term stability.