UK’s International Development Minister Rory Stewart concludes visit to Bangladesh
During his stay, he visited UK supported projects in Dhaka including a primary school and a garment factory to see first-hand how UK aid is making a difference to people’s lives; and also met with the Honourable Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina.
Rory Stewart, UK's International Development Minister visited UK supported projects in Dhaka including a primary school.
Rory Stewart, the UK’s International Development Minister, has concluded his three day visit to Bangladesh. During his stay, he visited UK supported projects in Dhaka including a primary school and a garment factory to see first-hand how UK aid is making a difference to people’s lives; and also met with the Honourable Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina.
As he departed Bangladesh, International Development Minister Rory Stewart said:
“Bangladesh is one of the great development success stories in Asia. I’m very proud of the support the UK has given this country and I congratulate Bangladesh in particular for the fantastic improvements made in health and education.
“For many people I have spoken to over the last three days, security has been at the top of their agenda. Bangladesh is not alone in having to face the scourge of extremist violence. We must work together to combat extremism and terrorism, promoting tolerance and inclusion, and stability. Our development programmes are addressing some of the root causes, such as poverty and economic marginalisation.
“At my meetings with Government Ministers and leaders from the Business and Development community, we also discussed our mutual ambition for increasing trade and economic links between our two countries. Britain remains the same outward looking, globally minded country it always has been and I look forward to working with the people of Bangladesh on this shared agenda in the coming years.”
Notes to editors
- UK Government is committed to spending 0.7% of GNI on overseas development; we are the only G7 country to meet this target. UK invests heavily in Bangladesh’s development, spending £185 m last year.UK support over the last 5 years have amongst other things, helped to lift 1.5 m Bangladeshi citizens out of extreme poverty; provided access to safe water for 1.3 m people; helped 500 00 women give birth safely and ensured 500 000 boys and girls complete primary schools.