CFoB held parliamentary meeting to strengthen UK-BD relations

Dr Ansar Ahmed Ullah
On Monday the Conservative Friends of Bangladesh (CFoB) convened a significant meeting at Parliament, bringing together MPs, peers, and community leaders to discuss future initiatives and strengthen UK-Bangladesh ties. 
The event was chaired by Anjenarra Rahman-Huque and Mehfuz Ahmed, with hosting support from MP Bob Blackman. Attendees included Gareth Bacon MP, Shadow Transport Secretary and Shadow Minister for London; Richard Fuller CBE MP, Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury; Lord Marland, Chair of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council and John Dwyer, Retired Chief Constable and Honorary Vice President of CFoB.
During the meeting, Anjenarra Rahman-Huque highlighted CFoB’s dedication during the 2024 General Election, noting, “One clear example of our commitment was sharing our full campaign data with CCHQ — we were the only friend’s group to do so. Our members dedicated around 2,000 hours to campaigning, which is a huge testament to their hard work”.
Participants discussed the upcoming UK local and mayoral elections in Bangladesh, with Mehfuz Ahmed emphasising the importance of supporting fair electoral processes. He stated, “The upcoming general election is genuinely free, fair, and inclusive of all parties. A transparent and credible electoral process is essential for long-term stability, democratic integrity, and continued international cooperation”.
The group also reflected on Bangladesh’s growing role in the Commonwealth and its potential to attract further international investment, with Lord Marland sharing insights from his recent visits to the country. Both MPs Richard Fuller and Bob Blackman underscored the vital role CFoB plays in fostering UK-Bangladesh relations, advocating for increased international engagement and support for Bangladesh’s democratic development.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to building stronger UK-Bangladesh partnerships and encouraging more forums to showcase Bangladesh’s economic potential and contributions on the global stage.