British High Commissioner Urges Quickening of Government-Opposition Dialogue in Bangladesh

Strategic Insights -

British High Commissioner Anwar Choudhury has expressed concerns about the slow pace of dialogue between the government and opposition in Bangladesh, emphasizing the need for a swift agreement to ensure free, fair, and acceptable elections. Choudhury, a Bangladeshi-born British diplomat, offered possible UK support for ensuring a credible electoral process and acknowledged Bangladesh's efforts to tackle terrorism, although noting that corruption remains a significant challenge.

Key Takeaways:

  • The British High Commissioner emphasized the importance of a swift agreement between the government and opposition to ensure free, fair, and acceptable elections in Bangladesh.
  • Choudhury offered possible UK support for ensuring a credible electoral process, stating that the international community will observe the election and point out irregularities.
  • The High Commissioner commended Bangladesh's efforts to tackle terrorism, acknowledging success in addressing the issue, but noted that terrorism cannot be completely eliminated.
  • Corruption was termed a "cancer eating out everything" by Choudhury, who claimed that curbing corruption could boost Bangladesh's growth rate from 5% to 7%.
  • The High Commissioner stated that British investment in Bangladesh could double in the next two years if corruption is successfully tackled.

Statistics:

  • Bangladesh's current growth rate is 5%, which Choudhury claimed could be boosted to 7% if corruption is curtailed.
  • British investment in Bangladesh could double in the next two years if the environment is right.
  • Choudhury noted that it took a "horribly long time" for Bangladesh to acknowledge the threat of terrorism.

Sources:

  • Asia Pulse (Apr 25)
  • Dhaka Reporters Unity (Meeting with the Press)
  • UNB (Apr 25)