Government in process of holding elections after reforms

The interim government is now in the process of holding the general election after making vital reforms in the key democratic institutions, said Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan on Wednesday.

Addressing an event organised by the British High Commission in Dhaka at a city hotel to mark the birthday of King Charles III, she sought the UK's help in having real-time weather data so that Bangladesh can take preparations for preventing the impacts of adverse weather.

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke said, "This is the third birthday party of His Majesty, King Charles, that we are celebrating here together in Dhaka."

"Bangladesh has undergone monumental changes. The uprising of last summer will be recorded as one of the most significant moments in the country's history. The world was shocked by the violence we witnessed. Many of those killed and injured were young people protesting for fairer treatment, for democracy, and for a better future," she said.

"We remember all those who lost their lives last time. As a long-term friend, the UK fully supports Bangladesh as it charts the pathway to a democratic, inclusive, and prosperous future. The interim government's focus on democratic, social, and economic reforms is an important step on this pathway."

She pointed out that the UK's partnership with Bangladesh has gone from strength to strength.

"Following the events of last summer, we have worked closely with the governor and his team at the Bangladesh Bank, providing expertise on key structural economic reforms and asset recovery, and the UK is proud to be one of the most generous supporters of the Rohingya refugee response, having provided over 420 million pounds since 2017," she mentioned. The high commissioner said the UK continues to strengthen its defence and security cooperation with Bangladesh, including through the recent visits by officials of the Royal College of Defence Studies.

"And of course, another strength of our partnership is our work together to tackle climate change, an issue championed by His Majesty, by the honourable chief adviser, and, of course, by the honourable adviser.

"I hope you have seen some of the pictures of His Majesty's work dotted around the hotel this evening, and I am also very proud that our celebration tonight is plastic-free. Earlier this year, I had the privilege of visiting the sugar bands, where I saw our climate partnership in action," she noted.

"I met with communities living on the front line of the climate crisis, working with local partners. The UK will help up to one million people adapt to the effects of climate change, protect their livelihoods, and preserve one of Bangladesh's most precious ecological treasures. We are proud to work with Bangladesh to fulfil its climate ambitions," the envoy added.

mirmostafiz@yahoo.com