Progress likely to face setback unless democratic governance is improved

British Minister of State for Asia and the Pacific Mark Field has said economic progress could be undermined in Bangladesh unless steps are taken to improve democratic governance and accountability, reports UNB.

He also laid emphasis on having an effective political opposition and a free press, according to a press release issued by the British High Commission in Dhaka on Wednesday.

Field was the first UK Minister to meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina since Bangladesh's parliamentary elections in December last.

During his recent two-day visit, which included a roundtable with senior editors to discuss media freedom in Bangladesh, the Minister warmly praised Bangladesh on its continued economic growth, including its transition toward a middle-income country, with Britain playing a leading role in Bangladesh's economic development as the second-largest foreign investor, and also supporting the country through the UK aid programme.

He thanked Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her government's efforts in dealing with the Rohingya crisis and discussed the potential options for dialogue with Myanmar that would allow the Rohingyas to begin returning home.

Minister Field said Bangladesh has been making great strides and he was pleased to discuss with Prime Minister Hasina how the two countries can strengthen already deep links.

"As well as our enduring people-to-people links, we're working together to combat human trafficking and through the Commonwealth on a variety of mutual issues from climate change to trade," he said.

"But as a true friend of Bangladesh, we stand ready to address issues around democratic governance and accountability, where we believe the government of Bangladesh must do more for its people to flourish and reach their full potential," Field was quoted as saying.