The visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to the United Kingdom is a private one, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Robert Gibson said on Thursday.
“The Prime Minister is going on a private visit to UK, I understand, for a family wedding. She will, I understand, undertake some engagements with the diaspora community while she is there before moving on to Belarus on an official visit.” “This is essentially a private visit,” the High Commissioner told The Independent after attending a closing ceremony of a training course on Exclusive Economic Zone, jointly organised by Bangladesh Navy and the UK government.
Prime Minister Hasina and her delegation left Dhaka on Thursday morning on a weeklong visit to UK and Belarus. She will visit UK from July 4-8 and Belarus from July 8-10. The PM is scheduled to return home on July 11.
Replying to a question, High Commissioner Gibson said that a meeting is scheduled with British Foreign Secretary William Hague on Thursday afternoon in London.
Asked if the discussions would be private or official, he said, “It is normal bilateral discussion.”
About the possible topics of discussion between Hasina and Hague, Gibson said that issues relating to the bilateral relations between Dhaka and London would be discussed.
He also said, “We obviously are very interested in what the government plans to do in the readymade garment sector. The UK government is working very hard with the stakeholders to try to ensure that the sector thrives and prospers. It (RMG sector) must be operated safely and we are going to work very closely with stakeholders to ensure the industry becomes safer.”
The Envoy also said that he was sure that both the leaders would discuss the upcoming elections during the meeting.
“I am sure they will discuss elections. Our hope, of course, is that there would be free and fair elections to be held on time as scheduled and the result will be a sustainable result for Bangladesh,” he said.
To a question regarding the just-concluded elections in four city corporations, the British diplomat said, “With the four elections that took place recently, I am very pleased that reports suggest that Election Commission (EC) did a good job. The elections were held freely and fairly. The results are sustainable which have been accepted by all parties.”
About upcoming Gazipur City Corporation poll, Gibson said, “I look forward to the result of Gazipur election this weekend.”
-with The Independent input
