The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Outgoing British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Anwar paid a farewell call on President Professor Dr Iajuddin Ahmed at Bangabhaban here yesterday.

During the meeting, the President expressed his satisfaction over the present bilateral relation between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom (UK), and thanked the outgoing UK envoy for his outstanding performance for further developing and strengthening the ties.

Prof Iajuddin said Bangladesh attaches great importance to its relations with the UK and considers it as a dependable trade, development and strategic partner.

He said trade, investment and economic relations between the two counties have expanded over the years as the UK at present is the third largest destination for the Bangladesh's export with an annual growth of 15 percent.

The President also appreciated the role of the UK for duty and quota-free access of Bangladeshi goods to the European Union market and hoped that the UK government continued its support for the LDC-friendly Rules of Origin.

Dr Iajuddin also praised the British government's development cooperation in various areas of Bangladesh through the DFID.

He said the government has undertaken steps for building electoral and other institutions, preparing the voter list and taking preparations for holding the general election as per the roadmap announced by the Election Commission.

The British envoy thanked the President and the government for extending cooperation to him in discharging duties during his office in Bangladesh.

He also expressed his satisfaction over the various reform programmes undertaken by the present government to strengthen democracy and curb corruption, and hoped that the next general election would be held by December this year.

Anwar Choudhury informed the President that a number of senior British ministers are expected to visit Bangladesh before the next general election. He said Bangladesh has huge potentials and hoped that it would achieve its expected development soon.

Military Secretary to the President Major General Mohd Aminul Karim, Secretary of the President's Office Md Sirajul Islam and Press Secretary to the President Abdul Awal Howlader were present.