The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, London

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown have pledged to work together to promote sustainable democracy and economic development and combat climate change and terrorism.

They made the pledge in a "Bangladesh-UK Joint Statement" after a meeting held at 10 Downing Street, the official residence of British Prime Minister, on Tuesday night.

The two heads of government expressed satisfaction at the thriving strategic partnership of equals between Bangladesh and Britain and acknowledged the important role played by the vibrant British-Bangladeshi community in forging that partnership.

In the statement, the Chief Adviser categorically reaffirmed his government's firm resolve to hold free, fair and credible parliamentary elections in Bangladesh by December 2008. He expressed the hope to work closely with international partners such as Britain towards that end.

They expressed happiness over the good progress of the project to update the voters list. The Chief Adviser expressed appreciation for Britain's practical assistance for this project.

The British Prime Minister underlined the importance of a smooth transition of power to an elected government promptly following the elections.

The Prime Minister and Chief Adviser agreed that credible elections that can sustain democracy in the longer term are essential for Bangladesh.

Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed informed the Prime Minister that the caretaker government would hold early dialogue with the political parties and remove restrictions to enable them to fully participate in successful democratic Parliamentary elections.

The Prime Minister and Chief Adviser agreed that strong public institutions, justice and observance of due process and human rights were the bedrock of healthy democracy.

They reflected with satisfaction on the institutional reforms of the caretaker government to strengthen the mandate of the Anti-Corruption, Election and Public Service Commissions and establish a Human Rights Commission.

They agreed that public institutions should play a leading role in setting high standards of governance under the newly elected government and that it was vital for them to act with respect for international standards of due process and basic individual rights at all times.

They noted that the separation of the judiciary from the executive in Bangladesh had been a historic step forward and underlined the importance of a strong and independent judiciary for ensuring fair and transparent trials for all.

The Chief Adviser highlighted the climate change challenge uniquely faced by Bangladesh due to global warming and sea level rise.

Both sides agreed to work together in international forums to secure an effective and responsible international response to climate change.

The Prime Minister confirmed that Britain would host an international climate change conference in London in May 2008, at the request of the Government of Bangladesh, to explore how the country can best prepare and adapt to a changing global environment.

The Chief Adviser confirmed Bangladesh's support for the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) Call to Action. This was launched by the UN Secretary General and the Prime Minister in July 2007 to encourage greater collective action to attain the MDGs by 2015.

Both sides agreed to further strengthen cooperation in achieving the MDGs in Bangladesh.

The Prime Minister announced British support for a new 50 million education programme - "English in Action" - with the government of Bangladesh.

It would contribute to economic growth by improving the English language skills of 25 million Bangladeshis, helping them participate more effectively in business and international trade.

The two heads of government expressed satisfaction at the level of bilateral trade and investment between two countries.

Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed expressed the hope that British investment would continue to grow in Bangladesh and Britain would play a leading role in the G8 and in multilateral trade negotiations to secure duty free market access for LDCs such as Bangladesh.

Both sides agreed to work closely together to combat terrorism and enhance Bangladesh's institutional capacity to that effect. They agreed that education, women's empowerment, opportunity and prosperity in mainstream society offered the most effective defence against extremism.

Foreign Adviser Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Bangladesh Ambassador to UK Shafi U Ahmed and Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser Syed Fahim Munaim were present during the meeting.

Meanwhile, Douglas Alexander, British Secretary of State for DFID, called on the Chief Adviser at his hotel suite here yesterday. The Chief Adviser was also interviewed by the BBC World Service. He launched an updated website at Bangladesh Embassy here.