Lecture on Bangladesh and United Kingdom Relations in the context of UK’s exit from the European Union on 24 April 2019

The Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) organised a Public Lecture titled "Bangladesh and United Kingdom Relations in the Context of the UK's Exit from the European Union" on 24 April 2019 at the BIISS Auditorium.

H. E. Sir Simon McDonald, Permanent Under-Secretary of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) of the United Kingdom, attended the programme as the Guest Speaker. Major General A K M Abdur Rahman, ndc, psc, Director General of BIISS, delivered the welcome address. The lecture brought together senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, policymakers, academics, researchers, military officials, media representatives, students, and members of think tanks to discuss the implications of Brexit for Bangladesh–United Kingdom relations.

In his welcome address, Major General A K M Abdur Rahman highlighted the longstanding and multifaceted relationship between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom. He noted that the UK has been one of Bangladesh's most important development partners and continues to be among the country's largest sources of foreign direct investment. He also emphasised the strong historical ties, vibrant Bangladeshi diaspora in the UK, expanding trade and investment, educational cooperation, and close collaboration in regional and multilateral forums.

Delivering the keynote lecture, H. E. Sir Simon McDonald discussed the implications of the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union and outlined the UK's vision for strengthening partnerships beyond Europe. He emphasised that the UK attaches great importance to its relations with Commonwealth countries and sees Bangladesh as a key partner in promoting shared prosperity, economic growth, and sustainable development.

The Guest Speaker highlighted the expanding scope of Bangladesh–UK cooperation in trade and investment, retail, banking, energy, infrastructure, consultancy services, education, and skills development. He reaffirmed the UK's commitment to increasing investment in Bangladesh and strengthening collaboration in innovation, technology, climate resilience, and human capital development. He also expressed confidence that Brexit would create new opportunities for enhancing bilateral trade, expanding market access, and deepening economic engagement between the two countries.

The lecture further explored the future trajectory of Bangladesh–UK relations in the evolving global economic and geopolitical landscape. Participants discussed opportunities for strengthening strategic dialogue, promoting business partnerships, expanding educational and cultural exchanges, and enhancing cooperation in addressing global challenges, including climate change, migration, and sustainable development.

The programme concluded with an engaging interactive discussion session, during which participants shared valuable questions, opinions, comments, and recommendations on the future of Bangladesh–United Kingdom relations in the post-Brexit era. The event reaffirmed the shared commitment of both countries to further strengthening their longstanding partnership through enhanced diplomatic engagement, increased economic cooperation, and closer people-to-people connectivity.