The United Kingdom will leave the European Union next year. On the other hand, Bangladesh will become a developing country within 2024. The two countries are going start a strategic discussion to take the bilateral relations, particularly political and socio-economic ties, to a different level.
It will take place between Foreign Secretary M Shahidul Haque and Simon McDonald, the permanent under-secretary and head of the Diplomatic Service at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, on March 15. The primary discussions will take place there.
A Foreign Ministry official described Bangladesh’s relation with the UK as “very old and structured,” saying: “The extent and depth of the relationship will be decided under the new structure since the stature of the countries is changing.”
The official said Dhaka’s main goal was to deepen the relations and both countries would discuss to find ways to do that under the changed structure.
“We agreed to discuss the changed structure in the strategic dialogue held in Dhaka last year,” the official said.
Replying to a question, the official said political relations, bilateral trade, illegal Bangladeshi immigrants, exchange of knowledge and innovation, among others, would get priority in the talks.
-Political relation-
Political communication is the most important element in deepening the bilateral relations. With this in mind, discussions are ongoing to arrange a meeting between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her British counterpart Theresa May in April.
Hasina will go to the UK to attend the Commonwealth meeting.
Another Foreign Ministry official said it was being assumed that the Commonwealth’s importance would increase once the UK left the EU. “[During the strategic dialogue] we will talk about what role Bangladesh can play there.”
-Trade and development assistance-
If Bangladesh wants to keep enjoying duty-free access even after becoming a developing nation, it will have to do so through a different way.
The Foreign Ministry official said Dhaka wanted to continue the duty-free facilities, adding: “We want to discuss if a separate arrangement has to be made for that.”
According to the official, the UK has assured Bangladesh of continuing the facilities.
-Repatriation of illegal Bangladeshis from the UK-
The UK wants to send back Bangladeshis staying there illegally. Bangladesh has no objection to taking back its national after finishing legal procedures.
Bangladesh has already signed an agreement to take back illegal Bangladeshi immigrants from EU countries. In the changed scenario, Dhaka wants to ink a similar agreement with London.
-Rohingya crisis-
The UK is assisting Bangladesh in tackling the Rohingya crisis. At the March 15 meeting, Bangladesh will seek more assistance.
Another official from the Foreign Ministry said: “There will be discussions on what role the UK can play in resolving the problem.”