The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

British Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs David Milliband MP arrives here today (Friday) on a 2-day visit to Bangladesh, at a time when the country is passing through a crucial transitional period.

The visit by a British Foreign Minister to Bangladesh is first in many years. Earlier, British Foreign Secretary (Minister) Jack Straw came to Dhaka with British Prime Minister Tony Blair on January 3, 2002.

Milliband is the youngest Foreign Minister of Britain. He joined the cabinet of Prime Minister Gordon Brown in June last year.

His visit to Dhaka ahead of general election here is seen as significant as he is expected to spell out the United Kingdom’s government position on democracy, economic development and human rights in Bangladesh.

Foreign Advisor of the caretaker government Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury will receive the British Foreign Minister at Zia international airport.

They would hold formal talks at state guesthouse Padma on Friday afternoon.

During his brief stay here, the British Foreign Minister would meet Chief Advisor Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed, Chief Election Commissioner Dr ATM Shamsul Huda and army chief General Moyeen U Ahmed.

He would deliver a lecture at the British Council.

Milliband is scheduled to leave Dhaka on Saturday night.