UK assures Bangladesh of continuous dev aid
Sunday, 25 November 2007
KAMPALA, Nov 24 (UNB): Britain has assured of its continued engagement in Bangladesh's development in line with the priorities set out by the Bangladesh government.
British Minister for Development Cooperation Douglas Alexander gave the assurance during a meeting with Foreign Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury here Friday on the sidelines of the ongoing Commonwealth Summit in the Ugandan capital.
The foreign adviser told the British aid minister about the state of reforms and the economic transformation of Bangladesh, which would hopefully increase the absorptive capacity of external aid.
The foreign adviser observed there was a coincidence in priorities in terms of interests in issues like education, health, women's empowerment, poverty alleviation and climate change.
Iftekhar also urged that projects and programmes should be taken up in line with the aspirations of the expatriate Bangladesh community in the UK such as skill development in the catering industry.
Douglas thanked Bangladesh for extending its support to the UK's initiatives in the international fora.
He conveyed his sympathies on the recent destruction caused by cyclone Sidr and reaffirmed of adequate British support for relief and rehabilitation.
Meanwhile, Dhaka strongly condemned the bombings in the three Indian cities of Varanasi, Faizabad and Lucknow that left at least 13 people dead Friday.
"We strongly condemn the bombings. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives," said Foreign Adviser Iftekharn Ahmed Chowdhury in a message conveyed from Kampala.
"Such acts of violence is senseless and is against all human norms," he added.
British Minister for Development Cooperation Douglas Alexander gave the assurance during a meeting with Foreign Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury here Friday on the sidelines of the ongoing Commonwealth Summit in the Ugandan capital.
The foreign adviser told the British aid minister about the state of reforms and the economic transformation of Bangladesh, which would hopefully increase the absorptive capacity of external aid.
The foreign adviser observed there was a coincidence in priorities in terms of interests in issues like education, health, women's empowerment, poverty alleviation and climate change.
Iftekhar also urged that projects and programmes should be taken up in line with the aspirations of the expatriate Bangladesh community in the UK such as skill development in the catering industry.
Douglas thanked Bangladesh for extending its support to the UK's initiatives in the international fora.
He conveyed his sympathies on the recent destruction caused by cyclone Sidr and reaffirmed of adequate British support for relief and rehabilitation.
Meanwhile, Dhaka strongly condemned the bombings in the three Indian cities of Varanasi, Faizabad and Lucknow that left at least 13 people dead Friday.
"We strongly condemn the bombings. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives," said Foreign Adviser Iftekharn Ahmed Chowdhury in a message conveyed from Kampala.
"Such acts of violence is senseless and is against all human norms," he added.