The UK’s Indo-Pacific Minister Catherine West will discuss her country’s support for political and economic reforms, security, trade cooperation and migration during her short visit to Bangladesh yesterday (15 November).

The UK Minister will meet Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain during his visit as part of the UK’s first ministerial visit to Bangladesh since the formation of the interim government.

During the visit, meetings will also be held with political and business leaders as well as members of civil society.

“The United Kingdom supports the interim government’s work to build a more prosperous and democratic future for the people of Bangladesh,” Minister West said. he said.

It will announce new UK funding to support Rohingya refugees and host communities with essential services and assistance.

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke said: “I am delighted to welcome the UK’s Indo-Pacific Minister Catherine West to Bangladesh.” he said.

The High Commissioner said this visit will deepen and expand the UK’s economic and security partnership with Bangladesh.

“Bangladesh is currently undergoing transformation and the UK, a long-time friend, will assist with economic and political reforms that will help Bangladesh sustain its social and economic growth as we move towards an inclusive and democratic future.”

Student-led protests over the summer resulted in shocking deaths and injuries. The UK’s support following the mass uprising included the deployment of a specialist medical team to care for some of the more seriously injured people during the protests.

Rohingya refugees and the communities hosting them in Bangladesh will receive essential aid and services through new funding from the UK.

This year, Bangladeshis affected by natural disasters will also benefit from aid funded by the UK.

Since the establishment of the Interim Government in August 2024, the UK has publicly supported work to create accountability and a path to an inclusive democratic future for Bangladesh.

Minister Catherine West will meet with student leaders and political parties to discuss the UK’s support for Bangladesh’s democratic recovery, and with business leaders to discuss how the UK government can continue to build strong ties and increase mutually beneficial trade and investment.

Recently announced UK funding has already provided food to 200,000 Rohingya refugees over a three-month period. It will now provide further support to Rohingya refugees with clean water, hygiene and sanitation services, basic health services, protection services and shelter materials.

The UK will also provide assistance to those affected by natural disasters in Bangladesh earlier this year.