A notable five-member cross-party parliamentary delegation from the United Kingdom is undertaking a significant visit to engage in discussions on mutual interests with Bangladesh’s leadership.
The delegation, led by Paul Scully MP, the former Conservative Minister for Tech and Digital Economy, is set to meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at Gonobhaban on January 28. Prior to this, the members are scheduled to hold talks with Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud at the State guesthouse Padma on January 27.
This parliamentary visit marks the first since Bangladesh’s general elections earlier this month, according to the Bangladesh High Commission in London.
The delegation includes three Labour MPs: Virendra Sharma MP, Vice Chair of All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Bangladesh and Chair of APPG on Indo-British; Neil Coyle MP, Member of UK House of Commons Select Committee on Foreign Affairs; Andrew Western MP, Opposition Whip at the House of Commons. Dominic Moffitt, Senior Parliamentary Assistant at the House of Commons, is also part of the team. The delegation is accompanied by Zillur Hussain MBE, Advisor for The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, and Strategic Adviser for CWEIC, along with Dr. Ivelina Banyalieva, CEO of Connect.
The visit includes paying respects to the Father of the Nation of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, at his Mausoleum in Tungipara. This marks the first time a British parliamentary delegation is visiting the Bangabandhu Mausoleum.
During their stay, the delegation is scheduled to meet State Minister for Commerce Ahsanul Islam to discuss avenues for strengthening Bangladesh-UK trade, economic collaboration, and the Indo-Pacific partnership. Additionally, they will engage with business leaders in Bangladesh and visit a green apparel factory.
The delegation will extend their visit to Sylhet, where they will explore leading charities established by British-Bangladeshis in the UK. On January 30, the members will visit the Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar, reaffirming their support for Bangladesh’s hosting of persecuted Rohingyas and contributing to the resolution of the protracted Rohingya crisis.
The Bangladesh High Commission in London has coordinated this visit with the British Parliamentarians and the Commonwealth business delegation by Connect. The delegation is set to depart for London on January 31.
