UK expects level playing field for all political parties in Bangladesh

United Kingdom (UK)'s Indo-Pacific Minister Catherine West has said her government expects a level playing field for all political parties in Bangladesh.  

The UK minister was talking to the reporters after meeting with Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at his ministry on Sunday.

When a journalist wanted to know whether there will be a level playing field for all political parties, she said, "Of course, and we expect Prof Yunus to lay out his vision for how all that will unfold."

She said her country is keen to provide support to Bangladesh's interim government's works including restoring peace and order, ensuring accountability and promoting national reconciliation.

"We know that the interim government in Bangladesh has committed to restoring peace and order, ensuring accountability and promoting national reconciliation, and it has the full support of the UK government in these objectives," she said.

Catherine said that she welcomed the interim government's determination to build a better democratic future for the people of Bangladesh.

"As we have a very strong, steadfast friendship with the people of Bangladesh, we want to build strong partnerships and build on that important building block of the strong ties and also with moving towards that democratic future from economics and trade to security, migration and climate change," she said.

"There's so much that we do together that we must continue to work on," she added.

Responding to a question on BNP acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman's return, the British minister said they did not discuss individual cases but they want to support the government because it is in a period of transition.

"We want to support the interim government in all the works that it is doing," she said.

Regarding the Rohingya issue, the UK minister said they are pleased that they have been able to announce another 10 million pounds so that there can be more building of appropriate shelter for the refugees and ensure that there is proper food, medical supplies and education for the children.

Catherine becomes the first UK minister to visit Bangladesh since the formation of the interim government.

The UK minister, who arrived here on Saturday, said the people of Bangladesh deserve a pathway to a "peaceful future and accountability" after a turbulent few months.

"I am here to discuss how the UK can best support the work of the interim government to stabilise its economy and move towards a peaceful and democratic future," she said.

Since the establishment of the interim government in August 2024, the UK has been clear in its support for the interim government's work on accountability and creating a pathway to an inclusive democratic future for Bangladesh.

Apart from Chief Adviser Prof Yunus, the UK minister will also meet with student leaders and political parties to discuss the UK's support for Bangladesh's democratic recovery.

She will also hold meetings with business leaders to discuss how the UK government can continue to create strong ties and boost mutually beneficial trade and investment.