DHAKA, Feb 3, 2025 (BSS) - The United Kingdom (UK) reiterated its commitment to supporting Bangladesh in upholding human rights (HR) and democracy as its HR Ambassador Eleanor Sanders arrived here today to hold meetings with interim government and human rights defenders. 

“Through my visit, we hope further to strengthen UK-Bangladesh collaboration on a range of priority issues such as accountability and justice, freedom of religion or belief, media freedom, gender equality and labour rights,” Sandrers said marking her visit according to British High Coimmission in Dhaka.   

She said the UK strongly supports the Interim Government’s work to advance sustainable, long term reforms which are grounded in respect for human rights, as well as growth. 

“We will also consolidate our multilateral partnership with Bangladesh – an important current member of the UN Human Rights Council,” she added.
 
On the occasion, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke said that this visit is another illustration of the UK’s deep friendship with Bangladesh and longstanding commitment to help create a more prosperous and democratic future for the people of Bangladesh.

During her three-day visit to Bangladesh, Human Rights Ambassador will discuss justice and accountability, human rights and fundamental freedoms with advisers and senior officials of the interim government, said the release.  

She will pay a visit to the University of Dhaka to deliver a seminar on human rights and engage with students. 

During the seminar, the Ambassador and the students will discuss the importance of upholding fundamental freedoms including media freedom, freedom of religion or belief and ensuring the protection of minority groups.

She will also visit Cox’s Bazar to oversee UK funded projects in the Rohingya refugee camps including food distribution, female health and education activities and LPG distribution.? 

The Ambassador will also announce new UK funding for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to strengthen accountability for human rights violations and abuses.

The UK has a long-standing commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights in Bangladesh while since the formation of the Interim Government, the UK has supported the government’s agenda to restore law and order, ensure accountability and establish rule of law, said the British high commission.