Dhaka, Nov 17 (V7N) - Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Sunday urged intensified efforts to address the illicit transfer of Bangladesh's wealth abroad, seeking stronger collaboration with the United Kingdom to trace and repatriate these assets.

During a meeting with Catherine West, the UK's Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Indo-Pacific, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Adviser Hossain emphasized that recovering stolen wealth remains a top priority for the Bangladeshi government.

Minister West assured the adviser of the UK’s commitment to providing all possible assistance in asset recovery, as confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The discussion also covered various bilateral matters, reflecting the priorities of both the British and Bangladeshi governments.

Adviser Hossain expressed gratitude to the UK for its continued support of Bangladesh’s interim government, highlighting the UK's role in promoting political stability and democratic progress in the country. He noted that the interim government represents the aspirations of the people, particularly the youth, and sought the UK’s backing for the government’s reform initiatives.

West conveyed warm regards from British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy. She reiterated the UK's commitment to deepening ties with Bangladesh and highlighted key focus areas such as migration, maritime collaboration, and cybersecurity.

Both sides pledged to enhance their robust cooperation and further strengthen the bilateral relationship between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom.

END/MSS/AJ