United News of Bangladesh

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke on Wednesday met Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and extended her congratulations to him on his forthcoming receipt of the prestigious King Charles Harmony Award. The High Commissioner met the Chief Adviser at the State Guest House in Dhaka, ahead of his official visit to the United Kingdom. "It is a great honour," the Chief Adviser said, referring to the award. Professor Yunus is set to depart Dhaka on June 9 on a four-day official visit. During the visit, the Chief Adviser is expected to hold meetings with senior British officials, said CA’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. The discussions between the Chief Adviser and the British High Commissioner encompassed a range of mutual interests, including trade and investment, aviation cooperation, migration and the interim government's efforts in asset recovery. Prof Yunus for ‘horror museum’ to document enforced disappearances They also discussed the reform initiatives undertaken by the interim government and the latest political developments in Bangladesh. Prof Yunus informed the High Commissioner that the second round of talks between the National Consensus Building Commission and political parties began this week and is expected to conclude soon. He expressed interest in receiving technical support from the UK, including training by British researchers, to bolster Bangladesh's ocean research efforts. The meeting was also attended by Lutfey Siddiqi, Special Envoy of the Chief Adviser; Lamiya Morshed, SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator; and James Goldman, Deputy High Commissioner of Britain.

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke on Sunday said her country is encouraging “free, fair, participatory and peaceful” elections in Bangladesh. She said fair elections will help Bangladeshi citizens exercise their democratic rights. Read:  UN expresses desire to see a fair, peaceful election in Bangladesh: Obaidul Quader  “We had a very constructive introductory discussion,” High Commissioner Cooke told reporters after her first meeting with Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal and his team. She said they discussed the vital roles of strong democratic institutions, media, and civil society. The British high commissioner said they also discussed the role of independent observers during the election. Talking to reporters, the CEC said High Commissioner Cooke wanted to know the Election Commission’s efforts for ensuring that journalists can work freely. Read: UK keen to boost trade and investment with Bangladesh: Sarah Cooke tells PM Hasina He said the media raised the demand regarding the use of motorcycles.  The CEC said they were considering whether it would be misused or not.  Some — using muscle power— might create problems, taking advantage of motorcycle use. “Keeping that in mind, we made a provision,” said the CEC. Read: I’m committed to deepening Bangladesh-UK extensive cooperation: Sarah Cooke At the meeting, Election Commissioner Anisur Rahman and EC Secretary Md. Jahangir Alam were also present. Bangladesh Election Commission is taking preparations to hold the next national election in December this year or January next year.