Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has discussed possible ways to increase apparel export share in the UK with British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Robert Chatterton Dickson. Dickson had a courtesy meeting with BGMEA President Faruque Hassan at BGMEA Complex on Tuesday. BGMEA President hopes for continued support of the British government to RMG sector. They discussed various trade related issues, including the present situation in the UK market, challenges of the industry and the areas where the sector is focusing on to remain competitiveness in the long term. Read: BGMEA, Fashion Design Council to promote khadi globally They also talked about cooperation between the UK and Bangladesh regarding graduation from LDC, possible changes in the tariff regime and how to retain Bangladesh’s export competitiveness and maintain its standing in the global market in the post-LDC era, according to the BGMEA. BGMEA Vice President Shahidullah Azim, Vice President (Finance) Khandoker Rafiqul Islam, Directors Barrister Shehrin Salam Oishee, Asif Ashraf, Tanvir Ahmed, Abdullah Hil Rakib, Barrister Vidiya Amrit Khan, Director of Sales and Investment at British High Commission Dan Pasha and BTMA Director Md. Mosharaf Hossain were present at the meeting.

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Robert Chatterton Dickson has said it is encouraging to see communities and local governments working together to construct climate-resilient infrastructure in Bangladesh. “It helps people from vulnerable communities affected by climate change to come together and, with relatively modest support from others, undertake measures to improve their own lives,” he said. The British envoy inaugurated climate-resilient community infrastructures in Cox's Bazar and Chattogram during his two-day visit to the two cities on February 27-28, as part of the Livelihoods Improvement of the Urban Poor (LIUPC) Project, financed by the UK Government together with the Government of Bangladesh and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Resident Representative of UNDP, Sudipto Mukerjee, Mayor, Chattogram City Corporation, Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Mayor, Cox's Bazar Municipality, Mujibur Rahman, National Project Director of LIUPCP and Joint Secretary, Md. Masum Patwary were present, amongst others. READ: World now looks at Bangladesh with admiration, says Dickson After visiting the communities and inaugurating the climate-resilient infrastructures, the High Commissioner said, "I am very impressed by this programme.” During his two-day visit, he said, they have seen how this can transform the living conditions of poor people. “The programme demonstrates best practices that can be taken up elsewhere in Bangladesh and in other countries directly affected by climate change. The UK Government is proud to provide funding and work in partnership with UNDP and the Government of Bangladesh," said the envoy. Sudipto Mukerjee said they maintain a strong commitment towards the urban poor population across Bangladesh, with a key objective of ensuring sustainable improvements in their livelihoods and living conditions.

With the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-UK relations and the two countries’ ties going through the Commonwealth, the arrival of the Queen’s Baton Relay in Bangladesh is another important milestone of “Brit Bangla Bondhon”, said British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Robert Chatterton Dickson. “The Baton Relay has been an essential part of the Commonwealth Games for over 60 years and celebrates communities from across the Commonwealth during the run up to the Games,” said the High Commissioner. The British envoy made the remarks at a reception hosted by the British High Commission on Friday evening to welcome the Queen’s Baton Relay to Bangladesh. The Baton was carried to the High Commission by celebrated Bangladeshi sport shooters Abdullah Hel Baki and Shakil Ahmed, where they were welcomed by British High Commissioner Dickson, alongside the President of the Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA) and Chief of Army Staff General S M Shafiuddin Ahmed. “We feel really honored in Bangladesh as the Baton has reached us,” said the BOA President, adding that he will be very happy if Bangladesh can come up with a good number of medals.” ‘I’m looking forward to that.” The UK is hosting Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Birmingham 2022 will bring together 6,500 athletes and team officials from the Commonwealth countries in a spirit of friendly competition and a celebration of the Commonwealth family's rich diversity and shared goals of democracy, development and peace. After Bangladesh, the Baton Relay will travel to India on January 10, said the High Commission on Saturday. The British envoy said it ignites hope, solidarity, and collaboration as it connects communities embracing unique cultures and inspires the next generation of sporting heroes. READ: Biden vows US to act decisively if Russia invades Ukraine The reception was attended by several renowned sports persons in Bangladesh, representatives of the Bangladesh government, different civil society organisations, youth groups, British businesses, and heads of missions of the Commonwealth countries in Bangladesh.

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Robert Chatterton Dickson on Monday said the ties between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom (UK) are wide and deep. He said they will continue to work with Bangladesh in the spirit of steadfast friendship embodied by "His Royal Highness.” "I am grateful to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and to the people of Bangladesh for your kind messages of support and condolence at this time," Dickson said.  On Friday, Buckingham Palace announced the death of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. "Our thoughts and condolences are with The Queen and the Royal Family during this sad time." The funeral will take place at St George’s Chapel, Windsor on April 17 at 1500 UK time. The service will begin with a national minute’s silence across the UK at 1500 UK time and will be a Ceremonial Royal Funeral, the form of funeral that was held for Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother in 2002. Also read: UK proposes launching of Bangladesh-UK Trade, Investment Dialogue The UK has now entered a period of national mourning that will last until 0800 on April 18. Flags will be flown at half-mast across UK Government buildings during this time, said the British High Commission. Given the current public health situation, physical "Books of Condolence" will not be available for the public to sign at the British High Commission in Dhaka. Members of the public wishing to express their condolences are welcome to send a message to the Royal Family via the online Book of Condolence on this website: www.royal.uk/books-condolence, said the High Commissioner. “As the Prime Minister has said, we are a nation united in both grief and gratitude. Grief at Prince Philip’s passing, and gratitude for his lifetime of dedicated service to our country," Dickson said. Also read: Kamran always promoted BD-UK people-to-people ties: Dickson He said, "Whether as a naval hero, as the creator of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, or as Her Majesty’s loyal consort; his legacy is felt by millions at home, across the Commonwealth, and around the world."