The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Bangladesh in upholding human rights and democracy as British Human Rights Ambassador Eleanor Sanders arrives in Dhaka on Monday (3 February) for a three-day visit.
She is scheduled to hold discussions with the Interim Government, human rights defenders, and other stakeholders to reinforce bilateral collaboration, said a press release by the British High Commission.
With a longstanding commitment to human rights advocacy both in Bangladesh and globally, the UK has extended its support to the Interim Government’s agenda of restoring law and order, ensuring accountability, and strengthening the rule of law.
During her visit, Sanders will engage in discussions with senior government officials and advisers on key issues such as justice, accountability, human rights, and fundamental freedoms. She will also deliver a seminar at the University of Dhaka, where she will address students on the significance of protecting civil liberties, including media freedom, religious rights, and the safeguarding of minority communities.
In addition to her engagements in the capital, Sanders will travel to Cox’s Bazar to oversee UK-funded humanitarian initiatives in the Rohingya refugee camps. These include food distribution programmes, women’s health and education projects, and the provision of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to refugee households.
As part of the UK’s ongoing commitment to human rights in Bangladesh, Sanders is set to announce new funding for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to enhance accountability mechanisms for human rights violations and abuses.
Speaking ahead of her visit, Sanders said: “The UK strongly supports the Interim Government’s efforts to implement sustainable, long-term reforms rooted in respect for human rights and inclusive growth. Through this visit, we aim to further strengthen UK-Bangladesh collaboration on key priorities such as justice, accountability, freedom of religion or belief, media freedom, gender equality, and labour rights. We also seek to deepen our multilateral engagement with Bangladesh, an important member of the UN Human Rights Council.”
British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke welcomed the visit, stating: “This visit underscores the UK’s deep-rooted friendship with Bangladesh and our enduring commitment to supporting a more prosperous and democratic future for its people.”
