British High Commi-ssioner in Dhaka Robert Chatterton Dickson on Monday said the United Kingdom is committed to maintaining the duty-free and quota-free market access for Bangladesh once it leaves the European Union.
"Furthermore, UK Export Finance current credit limit of £750 million for Bangladesh market shows the UK's commitment to support potential business opportunities in Bangladesh," Mr Dickson said while addressing a media briefing organised by Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) in the city.
At the briefing, the British envoy also focused on issues relating to UK-Bangladesh trade ties, democracy and human rights, Rohingya crisis and media freedom.
"The UK is the third largest export market for Bangladesh. UK-Bangladesh bilateral trade in 2018 was £3.6 billion with Bangladesh exporting goods and services worth £3.0 billion to the UK and the UK exporting £627 million worth of goods and services to Bangladesh," Mr Dickson said.
He mentioned that the UK was Bangladesh's second largest source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and in 2018, the UK's net FDI into Bangladesh was US$ 373 million.
"The UK is the 6th largest source of remittance for Bangladesh, with a value of US$ 1.1 billion," he added.
About the Bangladeshi diaspora in Britain, he said there are around 600,000 people of Bangladeshi origin in the UK who play a huge role in business, civil society and across the full spectrum of local and central government.
"There are three British MPs of Bangladeshi origin, one member of the House of Lords and over 100 councillors with Bangladeshi heritage across the UK."
About the role of the UK aid agency DFID here, Mr Dickson said DFID's programme in Bangladesh for 2019/20 totals £192 million.
"The UK is one of the largest donors in Bangladesh, committing £129 million in humanitarian assistance since August 2017. UK aid is making a big difference on the ground, including providing food and nutrition, shelter, health, protection, and water and sanitation, and targeted support for women and girls," he added.
While discussing issues of democracy and civil rights, the British envoy said as Bangladesh continues its journey of reaching middle-income status it is so vital to allow space for a vibrant civil society, through which the people especially young people can channel their energies, and vent their frustrations, remaining within the law.
"Freedom of expression and the media are essential qualities of any functioning democracy; people must be allowed to discuss and debate issues freely to challenge their governments, and to make informed decisions," he noted.
On the issue of Rohingya crisis, he said the international community should come forward to resolve the issue. He also reminded that no issue is beyond solution.
The envoy also pledged UK's support for safe, dignified and voluntary return of the Rohingya to their homeland.
Responding to a question whether BNP senior vice chairman Tarique Rahman would be extradited to Bangladesh by the British government, the high commissioner said his government has nothing to do with the affairs as it is being dealt by the British court.
DCAB president Raheed Ezaj and secretary Nurul Islam Hasib also spoke on the occasion.
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