British high commissioner meets BNP chief Tarique Rahman in Dhaka

They discuss relations and development plans after Tarique’s return from London

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Catherine Cook has met BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman at the party’s Gulshan office.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Joint Secretary General Humayun Kabir, Chairman’s Advisor Mahadi Amin and BNP International Affairs Secretary Rashedul Haque were present during the meeting on Saturday evening.

It was the first meeting between Tarique and Cook since his return from London, where he had lived for more than 17 years.

After the meeting, BNP said its chairperson discussed future development plans with the envoy, outlining how relations could be strengthened and cooperation expanded across different sectors if the party forms the next government.

Earlier in the afternoon, Nepalese Ambassador Ghanshyam Bhandari and his Bhutanese counterpart Dasho Karma Hamu Dorjee also met the BNP chairperson separately.

Humayun told reporters the three envoys met Rahman in a “cordial atmosphere”.

“They exchanged views on behalf of their respective governments. Discussions were held on Tarique Rahman’s return, BNP’s future development plans, and how bilateral relations and cooperation in different sectors can be strengthened,” he said.

Humayun added that there has been growing international interest in Tarique since his “historic return” on Dec 25.

“Even on a weekly holiday, foreign diplomats are showing interest in meeting him,” he said, adding that Tarique stressed building relations with other countries based on national interest, mutual respect and mutual benefit.