Bangladesh makes progress despite various hurdles

He was briefing members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Bangladesh in the House of Commons on Monday. Chairman of the Group Kerry Pollard presided, according to a message received in the city yesterday.

For the first time in many years, the foreign exchange reserve of the country has reached three billion dollars, exports have risen to nearly seven billion dollars, and direct foreign investment grew by 133 per cent, the highest in South Asia, the high commissioner told the members of the British parliament.

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The government of Bangladesh is on track to fufil its pledges to strengthen democratic institutions and democratic practices, Karim said, adding that these included separation of the lower judiciary from the executive and setting up of an independent anti-corruption commission and a human rights commission.

Referring to the August 21 grenade explosion in Dhaka, he said the government took measures to ensure that investigation into the incident is done quickly and independently, and additional security cover has been provided for the opposition leader.

The high commissioner also said, "Unhindered opposition activities are taking place in Bangladesh and the government in no way obstructs legitimate adversarial political actions."

Concluding the briefing session, Kerry Pollard hoped that the relationship with Bangladesh would be strengthened further.