Britain’s Indo-Pacific minister Catherine West will discuss her country’s ongoing support for political and economic reform, security, trade cooperation and migration as she begins her brief visit to Bangladesh yesterday (November 15).

The British minister will meet Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain during her visit, marking the first British ministerial visit to Bangladesh since the formation of the interim government.

The visit will also include meetings with political and business leaders as well as members of civil society.

Minister West said: “The UK supports the work of the Interim Government to build a more prosperous and democratic future for the people of Bangladesh.”

She will announce new funding from the UK 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 UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific Catherine West to Bangladesh.”

This visit will deepen and broaden the UK’s economic and security partnership with Bangladesh, the High Commissioner said.

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

Student-led protests over the summer saw shocking deaths and injuries. UK support following the mass uprising included the deployment of a specialist medical team to attend to some of the more critically injured during the protests.

Rohingya refugees and the communities that host them in Bangladesh will receive essential help and services through new funding from the UK.

Bangladeshis affected by natural disasters this year will also receive support from the UK.

Since the establishment of the Interim Government in August 2024, the UK has been clear in its support for its work on accountability and forging 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 links and increase mutually beneficial trade and investment.

The recently announced UK funding has already fed 200,000 Rohingya refugees over a three-month period. It will now provide additional support to Rohingya refugees with clean water, hygiene and sanitation services, primary care, protection services and protective materials.

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