DHAKA, July 10, (V7N) – Bangladesh and the United Kingdom have reaffirmed their commitment to working together to further strengthen existing cooperation in transport, shipping, railways, port development, trade, investment, and other areas of mutual interest.

The commitment was made during a bilateral meeting between Bangladesh's Minister for Road Transport and Bridges, Shipping and Railways Shaikh Rabiul Alam and UK Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander in London, according to an official handout.

The Bangladesh minister conveyed Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's greetings to the UK Transport Secretary and stated that the current government assumed office through a free, fair, inclusive, and peaceful election with overwhelming public support, remaining firmly committed to strengthening democracy, good governance, accountability, and the rule of law.

Recalling the longstanding historical and multifaceted relations between the two countries, Alam expressed appreciation for the UK's support for Bangladesh's democratic transition. He sought UK cooperation in expediting and simplifying the issuance of OK to Board (OKTB) and other transit and seafarer-related visas for Bangladeshi seafarers serving on international vessels.

The minister called for increased British investment, joint ventures, technology transfer, and expanded public-private partnerships in Bangladesh's shipbuilding, marine engineering, port development, maritime transport, and port-based industries, while underscoring the importance of enhancing bilateral trade and investment.

Alam noted that the present government is committed to implementing the Hong Kong International Convention to ensure Bangladesh's ship recycling industry meets international standards. Currently, 27 of the country's 42 ship recycling yards have achieved compliance, with work underway to upgrade the remaining yards in phases.

He also stated that Bangladesh strongly supports the IMO's global initiatives to address climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and though not a major contributor to global emissions, the country continues to work with the international community to promote environmentally friendly technologies, green growth, and a sustainable maritime transport system.

Rabiul Alam invited Heidi Alexander to visit Bangladesh.

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