British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke has said Bangladesh and the UK share a common interest in a free and open Indo-Pacific and recognise Bangladesh’s responsibilities in the Bay of Bengal, which she described as a region of growing strategic importance.
Speaking at the Bay of Bengal Conversation 2026 in Dhaka, Cooke said emerging security challenges, including economic security, cybersecurity and climate-related insecurity, require coordinated responses beyond traditional security frameworks.
She described Bangladesh as a “strategic and trusted partner” of the UK, saying bilateral ties had evolved from a relationship focused largely on development cooperation into a modern strategic partnership reflecting Bangladesh’s growing global role.
“Today, our relationship has matured into a much more modern strategic partnership, one that reflects Bangladesh’s growing global role,” she said on the second day of the three-day conference organised by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS).
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the conference on Saturday.
Cooke said the longstanding partnership had been strengthened by close people-to-people ties, noting that more than half a million people of Bangladeshi heritage live in the UK.
“These connections are one of the great strengths of our relationship,” she said.
On economic relations, Cooke said the UK is one of the largest investors in Bangladesh and that British companies have contributed to the country’s economic transformation and job creation in sectors ranging from finance and fashion to education and energy.
As Bangladesh prepares to graduate from least developed country status, she said the UK is committed to supporting a smooth and sustained transition.
Under the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme, Bangladesh currently enjoys duty-free access to the UK market for 99.8% of product lines and will retain that access for three years after LDC graduation, she said.
After the transition period, 92% of product lines, including ready-made garments, will remain duty free, Cooke said.
Cooke said geopolitical competition, conflict, economic uncertainty, technological disruption and climate change are putting pressure on the international system.
“How countries respond will shape not only their own futures, but the international order for decades to come,” she said.
She stressed the importance of international institutions, international law and partnerships in addressing growing instability, saying the UK remains committed to multilateralism, collective security, trade, investment and climate action.
On the Middle East, Cooke said the UK condemns Hamas’ October 7 attack and supports Israel’s security, but said this does not justify Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank.
“Far too many people have died,” she said, adding that the UK is working with international partners to protect the prospects for a two-state solution and support de-escalation across the region.
She also highlighted the importance of regional stability and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Cooke said security challenges now extend beyond military threats, with climate shocks affecting food security, driving displacement and increasing pressure on societies.
Cooke said the Rohingya crisis remains an area where stronger regional cooperation is urgently needed.
“The UK continues to stand alongside Bangladesh, recognising the extraordinary generosity the country has shown in hosting more than 1 million Rohingya refugees,” she said.
She said the UK remains committed to supporting refugees and host communities, maintaining international attention on the crisis and working towards the voluntary, safe and dignified return of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar when conditions allow.
As the UN Security Council penholder on Myanmar, the UK will continue to push for international action and accountability, Cooke said.
She added that the UK remains one of the largest donors to the Rohingya response, supporting refugees and host communities in Bangladesh and providing humanitarian assistance to vulnerable communities in Rakhine State.
Cooke said Bangladesh is among the countries most familiar with the effects of climate vulnerability, including rising sea levels, changing weather patterns and extreme weather events.
She said Bangladesh is recognised internationally for its resilience, innovation and leadership in climate adaptation.
The UK is working with Bangladesh to strengthen flood forecasting and early warning systems through cooperation between the Bangladesh Meteorological Department and the UK Met Office, she said.
“It’s enabling communities, businesses, and government to prepare earlier for climate shocks,” Cooke said.
The UK is also working with Bangladesh to increase access to climate finance and develop high-integrity carbon markets to support long-term resilience, she said.
At the UN, the UK has announced $330 million for the Global Environment Facility, one of the major multilateral funds supporting nature protection and efforts to address environmental threats.
Concluding her remarks, Cooke said global challenges require stronger partnerships and cooperation.
“Not in managing crises after they emerge, but building resilience before they occur,” she said.
She added that the UK’s partnership with Bangladesh was based on “trust, mutual respect, shared interests and growing ambition”.