British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Photo: MoFA

DHAKA, June 20, 2026 (BSS)- Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman today urged the United Kingdom to maintain its leadership role in international efforts to ensure the safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable repatriation of forcibly displaced Rohingyas to Myanmar.

He made the call when British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke paid a courtesy call on him at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here this afternoon, according to a ministry press release.

During the meeting, the foreign minister appreciated the United Kingdom’s continued support for the Rohingya people. 
The British envoy congratulated Dr. Khalilur Rahman on his election as President of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) for the 2026-2027 term.

The two sides expressed satisfaction over the longstanding historical ties, strong people-to-people contacts and the contributions of the vibrant British-Bangladeshi diaspora, which continues to serve as an important bridge between the two countries.

They also discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including trade and investment, education, migration and skills development.

The meeting concluded with both sides expressing satisfaction at the growing momentum in Bangladesh-United Kingdom relations and reaffirming their commitment to enhancing cooperation on bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest.