British Minister Lord Ahmad has said the United Kingdom will continue to remain a “trusted friend and partner” of Bangladesh in the next 50 years as it stood by Bangladesh for the past 50 years through good times and bad times. “As we look ahead, Bangladesh and the UK will continue to work together on shared priorities, including trade, climate, defence and Commonwealth,” said Ahmad, Minister for South and Central Asia at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). He made the remarks while addressing a virtual commemorative event on Friday night to celebrate Bangladesh-UK 50 years of diplomatic relations. Highlighting the historic background of Bangladesh-UK relations and its geopolitical and diplomatic significance, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam said Bangabandhu’s official meeting at the 10 Downing Street on 8 January followed by the UK’s recognition on 4 February in 1972 was a major geopolitical development during the height of the cold war, which encouraged other Western nations to recognise Bangladesh. Reflecting on the sustained friendship between Bangladesh and the UK, he said the UK has steadfastly stood by Bangladesh starting from the War of Liberation in 1971 to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's relentless efforts to leapfrog Bangladesh into Asia's fastest-growing economy till date.