'UK keen to develop more active relationship with Bangladesh'

"We don't like to see the relationship between Britain and Bangladesh as aid giving and aid recipient countries," said the envoy while addressing as keynote speaker at a discussion.

The discussion on 'Foreign policy of modern Britain' was organised by Bangladesh Institute of Law and International Affairs (Bilia) at its auditorium in the city.

While pointing out different aspects of British foreign policy, the high commissioner said his country would work actively to develop a better understanding between Britain and other developing countries.

Referring to the success of Bangladesh in different fields, Anwar Choudhury said, "Bangladesh is no longer a case of bottomless basket as mentioned by Kissinger (former US foreign secretary). The country has now a growing economy."

The envoy said if the countries like Bangladesh does not prosper, the countries belonging to the developed world would suffer.

"We need to connect today's Britain with today's Bangladesh," he mentioned.

He said the foreign policy cannot be separated from domestic policy as every country in the world is somehow interlinked with each other.

"What happens in Afghanistan and Iraq has impact in Britain as all issues in the current world are interlinked," Choudhury added.

Replying to a question the envoy said, "Many people think that there is a relationship between Iraq war and July 7 bomb attacks in London, and there are people who find no relationship. But I don't think there is any relationship because the 9/11 incident took place even before Iraq and Afghanistan war."

He said the UK will continue its efforts for better functioning of the United Nations and the European Union.

As multicultural and multi-faith country Britain always promotes democracy, human rights and respects for others, he added.

Presided over by Justice KM Sobhan, the discussion was also addressed by Barrister Amir Ul Islam, Barrister Ziaur Rahman Khan, GM Quader MP and Bilia Director Wali-ur-Rahman.