As part of his commitment to facilitate Bangladesh's withdrawal from the least developed country (LDC) bloc, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has pledged to increase bilateral economic and security cooperation.
He wrote to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, saying, "I look forward to working with you to continue to build on and develop still further our countries’ important and historic relationship."
Two days prior, US President Joe Biden declared that his nation was dedicated to aiding Bangladesh in his letter.
Sunk added, "I am writing to underline my commitment to support Bangladesh's graduation from LDC status and to strengthen the growing economic and security partnership between our countries."
As she began her record fifth term, he praised Hasina and noted "Bangladesh's impressive development gains under your leadership in recent years."
According to him, the UK-Bangladesh alliance is supported by strong people-to-people ties and a rich shared history and friendship.
In addition, he anticipated that Bangladesh would advance in the areas of rights and freedoms and political reconciliation since "these values are the cornerstone of the Commonwealth family and create vibrant democratic societies which attract the inward investment needed for economic growth."
In particular, Sunak recognized her support for a “sustainable and streamlined way forward to return those Bangladeshi nationals to the United Kingdom illegally” and considered collaboration on migration as a “important part of our bilateral agenda.”
The prime minister of the United Kingdom expressed his expectation that the agreement will be completed as part of a larger plan for mutual assistance.
The bilateral trade volume decreased by 13.6%, or £611 million in current prices, from the four quarters to the end of Q3 2022 to £3.9 billion at the end of Q3 2023, according to the UK's Department for Business and Trade.
Last year, Bangladesh sent items to the UK valued at £3.3 billion.
Remittances are mostly sent from Bangladesh to the UK, which is home to a sizable Bangladeshi diaspora community. In the fiscal year 2022–2023 Bangladeshis residing there sent $2.08 billion home.
Comment: