British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke on Tuesday said climate action is a central pillar of their joint efforts to support Bangladesh’s long-term prosperity, stressing that the country is on the frontline of climate change.

“For Bangladesh, climate change is not a future challenge to be managed at some later point; it is a reality. That is why climate action is a central pillar of our work together—to support Bangladesh’s long-term prosperity, economic resilience and energy security,” said the High Commissioner.

Speaking at “DCAB Talk,” the High Commissioner said their climate cooperation focuses on strengthening resilience, protecting communities and supporting sustainable growth.

The Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) hosted the “DCAB Talk” at the Jatiya Press Club.

“I have seen this partnership first-hand including in the Sundarbans, where UK support is helping communities adapt to climate impacts while safeguarding one of the world’s most important ecosystems,” she said.

The High Commissioner said they are also working together to strengthen preparedness.

Through the Bangladesh-UK hydrometeorological partnership, UK Met Office expertise is supporting improved flood forecasting and early warning systems.

“Better data and earlier warnings save lives and reduce losses. But public policy and technical expertise alone are not enough. Mobilising finance at scale is essential,” said the British envoy.

That is why, she added, climate finance is a core focus of their engagement in Bangladesh, including work with the government and the private sector to unlock blended finance and private capital, and to move from pilots to scale.

Bangladesh also plays an important role globally, and its voice has helped shape international debate.

“The UK is proud to work alongside Bangladesh through the UN COP process to ensure climate-vulnerable countries are heard and acted upon,” said the British envoy, noting that climate resilience and economic progress also depend on security and stability across the wider region.

Defence & Security Cooperation

As Bangladesh’s role in regional affairs has grown, so too has the importance of defence and security cooperation between the two countries, said High Commissioner Cooke.

She said Bangladesh is a significant contributor to regional stability, maritime security and United Nations peacekeeping.

The UK recognises its important responsibilities in the Bay of Bengal—a region of increasing strategic importance for global trade and energy routes, the High Commissioner said.

“That is why I’m delighted about the recent government-to-government agreement for the transfer of the former HMS Enterprise, a UK-built hydrographic and oceanographic survey vessel,” she said, adding that Enterprise will enhance Bangladesh’s ability to conduct hydrographic and oceanographic surveys, strengthen navigational safety, and support marine resource management across the Bay of Bengal.

The envoy said the vessel will also provide opportunities for scientific research and collaboration with Bangladeshi universities and research institutions, contributing to Bangladesh’s wider blue economy ambitions.

“More broadly, the Enterprise agreement underscores the United Kingdom’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s military modernisation that is capability-driven and aligned with regional stability,” she said.

Alongside equipment cooperation, the UK continues to support Bangladesh through military training to help shape its future military leaders.

Rohingya Crisis

“In the broader context of regional stability, another important element of our partnership is our cooperation on the Rohingya humanitarian crisis,” said the High Commissioner.

The United Kingdom continues to stand firmly with Bangladesh in responding to the needs of Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar, recognising the extraordinary generosity of Bangladesh and its host communities.

Since 2017, the UK has provided over £458 million in humanitarian support to deliver life-saving assistance, protect the most vulnerable and support host communities.

“At the same time, in the context of declining global aid, we are increasingly focused on supporting greater self-reliance and skills development,” said the High Commissioner.

“So, when the conditions are right for them to return home, they are equipped to do so. The UK continues to work to keep the Rohingya crisis on the global agenda, including through the United Nations Security Council,” she said.

The High Commissioner said they are working to support greater responsibility-sharing and pressing for a long-term political solution, in close coordination with the Government of Bangladesh and international partners.

Tackling Visa Abuse

Working together to tackle illegal migration is another priority area of close cooperation between the United Kingdom and Bangladesh, she said.

“We recognise the positive contribution that lawful migration makes to our society, while being clear about the serious harm caused by those who exploit vulnerability for personal gain,” said the High Commissioner.

Unscrupulous visa agents who mislead and deceive Bangladeshi citizens undermine confidence in migration systems and expose individuals to serious financial and personal risks, she said.

“That is why the UK is working closely with the government of Bangladesh to tackle visa abuse and visa fraud, and to return those who have no right to reside in the UK,” the envoy said.

She said they want to ensure that movement between the two countries is safe, legal and fair. “We are very grateful to the government for the close cooperation in this area.”

DCAB President AKM Moinuddin and General Secretary Emrul Kayesh also spoke at the event, where the High Commissioner described the relationship between Bangladesh and the UK as “modern and strategic.”