No change in UK-Bangladesh ties for Brexit: Cameron

Expressing firm optimism that bilateral relations between the United Kingdom and Bangladesh would continue to grow, former British Prime Minister David Cameron today said there would be no change in this relationship due to Brexit.

"There are win-win relations between the two countries and the ties would continue to grow," he said.

Cameron made this remark while paying a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official Ganabhaban residence here this morning.

After the meeting, PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina put emphasis on resolving the issue of cargo plane embargo from Bangladesh and said a British company has been appointed for security management of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka.

In this connection, Cameron expressed the hope that the problem of cargo plane ban from Bangladesh would be solved soon.

While talking about the trade relations with Bangladesh, Cameron said the British investors are coming to Bangladesh for making investment.

The former British prime minister offered training to the Bangladeshi workers on managerial skill, design and entrepreneurship.

He also mentioned the big contributions of Bangladeshi diaspora to the UK's economy.

The former British prime minister highly appreciated Bangladesh's success in socioeconomic development under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

"Bangladesh is nearing the achievement of status of a middle income country," he said.

The prime minister said her party has been preparing economic and other policies for speedy development of the country and accordingly the government is implementing the policies.

She also highlighted government's stunning success in agriculture, food security, women empowerment and digitisation.

Sheikh Hasina said the government is setting up 100 economic zones across the country for further industrialization and generating employment, and facilities like electricity and gas are being ensured in these zones.

Sheikh Hasina said the government has undertaken a plan to build a deep seaport for boosting trade and business.

"We're also expanding rail network across the country for development of communication system and we have appointed a British company to construct rail line in the southern region," she said.

On Rohingya issue, the Bangladesh prime minister said the accommodation of four lakh Myanmar nationals in Bangladesh is very difficult. "It would be good for all if Myanmar takes back its nationals from here," she said.

Sheikh Hasina also reiterated her government's "zero tolerance" policy against terrorism.

The prime minister said Bangladesh is also giving emphasis to strengthening connectivity with neighbouring countries and mentioned the BBIN and BCIM-EC initiatives in this regard.

PM's International Affairs Advisor Dr Gowher Rizvi, Senior PMO Secretary Suraiya Begum and UK High Commissioner in Dhaka Alison Blake were present on the occasion.

Source: bss