Source link : https://london-news.net/2024/11/17/news/dhaka-urges-london-to-strengthen-ties-in-the-fight-for-reclaiming-stolen-wealth/
Strengthening Ties: Bangladesh and the UK Discuss Asset Recovery and Cooperation
Meeting Overview
On November 17, 2024, Catherine West, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Indo-Pacific from the United Kingdom, engaged in a crucial dialogue with Md Touhid Hossain, Bangladesh’s Foreign Adviser. The meeting took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and was marked by discussions on several pressing bilateral concerns.
Concern Over Stolen Assets
During their conversation, Md Touhid Hossain expressed significant apprehensions regarding the illicit transfer of wealth that has been unlawfully taken from Bangladesh. He urged greater commitment from the United Kingdom towards asset recovery efforts. This issue remains a critical priority for the Bangladeshi government, which seeks to track down these assets and repatriate them to bolster its economy.
Catherine West assured her commitment to assist in these endeavors, as reported by officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Her response highlighted a willingness for collaboration in tackling this challenging issue.
Bilateral Relations: Political Support and Reform Initiatives
The discussions extended beyond asset recovery; they also covered key aspects of ongoing bilateral relations between both nations. Md Touhid Hossain expressed gratitude to the UK government for its unwavering support toward Bangladesh’s interim administration, acknowledging Britain’s essential role in promoting political stability and democracy within Bangladesh.
He emphasized that this interim government reflects not just political structures but also embodies aspirations—especially those of young people across Bangladesh—and solicited continued British support toward governmental reform initiatives.
UK’s Commitment to Collaboration
In response to these points raised by Hossain, Under-Secretary West relayed warm greetings from British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer as well as Foreign Secretary David Lammy. West reiterated her government’s dedication to enhancing ties with Bangladesh across multiple fronts including migration policies, maritime security collaboration, and cyber defense strategies.
Furthermore, addressing humanitarian issues surrounding the Rohingya population displaced from Myanmar was another focal point during their talks. Both leaders acknowledged that humanitarian assistance remains crucial while recognizing that resolving this crisis ultimately depends upon facilitating a secure return for Rohingyas back home—a sentiment echoed strongly by both parties involved.
Future Endeavors
Another important aspect discussed was related to immigration policies; specifically, Md Touhid Hossain called attention to establishing mutual recognition mechanisms regarding qualifications through their point-based immigration systems—a step seen as beneficial for enhancing opportunities between citizens of both countries.
As Minister Catherine West prepares to depart Dhaka later today after fruitful discussions aimed at solidifying cooperation between Bangladesh and Britain further within various sectors—including economic reform frameworks—the commitment felt on both sides indicates promising prospects ahead.
The post Dhaka Urges London to Strengthen Ties in the Fight for Reclaiming Stolen Wealth first appeared on London.
Author : London News
Publish date : 2024-11-17 16:52:27
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