High Commissioner of Bangladesh to the United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland

London, England
Joined January 2017
Congratulations to @trahmanbnp and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party on their victory in the elections.   The UK has a strong relationship with Bangladesh and is ready to work together on growth, migration, climate and security, building a future that reflects the hopes of the Bangladeshi people.
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Abida Islam retweeted
High Commissioner @abida1968 Islam held a meeting with Professor Graham Galbraith CBE, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Portsmouth, Mr Chris Chang, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement and Student Life), and other members of the University’s leadership.
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Updated Education Adviser visits Dipu Chandra Das’s family Mymensingh, December 23, 2025: The Office of the Chief Adviser has expressed its profound sorrow over the killing of factory worker Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh and extended its deepest condolences to his family. On behalf of the government, Education Adviser Professor C R Abrar visited the bereaved family in Mymensingh on Tuesday to convey the government’s sympathy and assurance of support during this difficult time. During the visit, he spoke with Rabilal Das, the father of Dipu Chandra Das, among others. The Education Adviser reiterated that the killing was a heinous criminal act with no justification and no place in Bangladeshi society. Allegations, rumours, or differences of belief can never excuse violence, and no individual has the right to take the law into their own hands, he said. He also reaffirmed the Interim Government’s unwavering commitment to the rule of law, assuring the family that the authorities would investigate all alleged offences and ensure justice through due process. Law enforcement agencies have arrested 12 individuals in connection with the crime. Investigations are ongoing, and the Interim Government has directed that the case be pursued fully and without exception. Such acts of violence will be met with the full force of the law, the adviser said. The government remains fully committed to ensuring the safety, dignity, and equal protection of all citizens, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or background. It calls upon all communities, institutions, and leaders to reject violence, resist attempts to create division or unrest, and uphold restraint, humanity, and respect for the law, he told the family. On behalf of the Office of the Chief Adviser, Professor Abrar confirmed that financial and welfare assistance would be provided to the family of Dipu Chandra Das and that the relevant authorities would remain in close contact with them in the coming period. The adviser reiterated the Interim Government’s resolve to protect all citizens and to ensure that justice is served. End Photo Caption: Education adviser CR Abrar speaks to Rabilal Das, father of Dipu Chanrda Das, in Mymensingh on Tuesday.
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A meeting was held recently between High Commissioner @abida1968, and @linfordandrews , Head of @commonwealthsec Pre-Election Assessment Mission (PEAM), following its recent visit to Bangladesh from 25–31 October. Dr. @DPanditaratne and Ms. Nancy Kanyago also attended the meeting
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The Bangladesh High Commission in London recently celebrated the country’s 55th Victory Day at a hotel auditorium in London. On the occasion of Victory Day, High Commissioner @abida1968 conveyed her greetings to the British Bangladeshi community.
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The UK has long been a champion for human rights, and we mustn’t grow complacent. They are at the heart of our daily lives, protecting our choices and freedoms. I hosted a #HumanRightsDay event and outlined UK efforts to promote human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
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Bangladesh High Commissioner @abida1968 Abida Islam Showcases Nazrul’s “Nari” at Commonwealth Poetry Evening in London. During the programme, the High Commissioner recited “Nari” (Women) by Bangladesh’s National Poet, Kazi Nazrul Islam.
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Message From the Honble Chief Advisor on the Occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian Pepole.
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Great to attend the Bangladesh armed forces day celebration in London. Congratulations to @abida1968 and the team @BDHCLondon on such a great evening!🇧🇩🇧🇩
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Chief Adviser Unveils Trophy of 2nd Women’s Kabaddi World Cup Dhaka, November 16, 2025: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Sunday unveiled the official trophy of the 2nd Women’s Kabaddi World Cup 2025. He unveiled the trophy at the state guest house Jamuna, in the presence of representatives from all participating nations. The ceremony marked the formal kickoff to one of the world’s most anticipated women’s kabaddi tournaments and underscored Bangladesh’s readiness to welcome the global kabaddi community. Bangladesh will host the Women’s Kabaddi World Cup for the first time, with the tournament scheduled to take place from 17 to 24 November 2025 at the Shaheed Suhrawardy Indoor Stadium in Dhaka. The unveiling ceremony celebrated not only the tournament’s arrival but also Bangladesh’s growing leadership in promoting women’s sports on the international stage. Speaking at the event, Professor Yunus highlighted the significance of hosting the World Cup in Dhaka and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring an inclusive, inspiring, and world-class tournament. He welcomed all visiting teams and appreciated the efforts of organisers, athletes, and partners working to make the championship a success. The 2025 edition of the Women’s Kabaddi World Cup will bring together top national teams for eight days of intense competition, cultural exchange, and global sportsmanship. Organisers from the Bangladesh Kabaddi Federation have confirmed that preparations are in full swing, with comprehensive arrangements for logistics, security, team accommodation, and audience participation. The tournament will officially open on November 17, with matches held daily leading up to the final on November 24. Participating countries are Bangladesh, Chinese Taipei, Germany, Iran, India, Kenya, Nepal, Poland, Thailand, Uganda and Zanzibar. At the event, Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan said that the government is actively promoting women athletes and expanding opportunities for their participation in competitive sports. He noted that women in Bangladesh are consistently proving their talent on the international stage, and the government is committed to providing them with every support they need to excel. He added that the success of women athletes is a matter of national pride and a powerful inspiration for the next generation.
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Productive discussions between UK Minister for International Development @JennyChapman and @ChiefAdviserGoB Muhammad Yunus on advancing UK–Bangladesh cooperation. They discussed upcoming elections, strengthening migration partnerships, humanitarian response, and boosting trade.
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UK minister calls on Chief Adviser DHAKA, November 14: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to ensuring that the upcoming general election will be free, fair, and inclusive. He made the remarks on Thursday evening during a meeting with visiting British Minister for International Development Baroness Jenny Chapman at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka. During their discussions, the two leaders covered a wide range of issues, including the February general election, tackling illegal migration, boosting trade, the Rohingya crisis, and enhancing cooperation in aviation and maritime sectors. Professor Yunus reiterated that the election would be held on schedule in the first half of February, emphasizing that it would be inclusive and participatory, with a large voter turnout expected. “The election will be participatory. There will be a big turnout,” he said, adding that tens of millions of young people are expected to cast their first ballots, as they had no opportunity to vote during three rigged general elections during the 16 year long autocracy. The Chief Adviser said the Awami League would not be able to take part in the polls as its activities have been suspended under the country’s anti-terrorism laws, and the Election Commission has subsequently removed the party from the official list of registered political parties. The Chief Adviser said the July Charter would mark “a new beginning” for Bangladesh, reflecting the aspirations of millions who took part in the historic July–August uprising last year. Minister Chapman thanked Professor Yunus for his leadership since assuming charge of Interim Government, and commended the ongoing dialogue between the National Consensus Commission and political parties over the July Charter. Chapman expressed concern about the abuse of the UK asylum system by migrants from countries, including Bangladesh, and stressed the importance of safe and legal migration while curbing exploitation. Professor Yunus agreed, emphasizing that his government is committed to ensuring safe migration and encouraging more Bangladeshis to seek employment abroad through legal channels. The two leaders also discussed the Rohingya crisis and the need for continued humanitarian support for more than a million refugees living in camps in Bangladesh. “The young people in the camps are growing up without hope — angry and frustrated. We must ensure they receive education,” Professor Yunus said. The meeting also highlighted opportunities to boost trade and cooperation between Dhaka and London. The Chief Adviser noted that Bangladesh is purchasing a British research vessel to conduct maritime studies in the Bay of Bengal. Minister Chapman called for stronger aviation ties between the two nations, adding that the head of Airbus International is expected to visit Bangladesh soon. Also present at the meeting were National Security Adviser Dr. Khalilur Rahman, SDG Coordinator Lamiya Morshed, and British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke.
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Bangladesh is at a historic juncture. Its people demand justice, democracy & economic transformation. This week, @UNHumanRights met the APPG on Bangladesh about their inquiry into human rights violations during the 2024 protests and their recommendations for long-lasting change.
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.@bdBritish The British Council Bangladesh and the Higher Education Acceleration and Transformation (HEAT) Project signed a landmark agreement on Thursday at the House of Lords, UK. @abida1968 Islam, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to the UK, also attended the event.
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High Commissioner @abida1968 Abida Islam held a meeting with Zafar Iqbal, MBE, the Lord Mayor of Birmingham City Council. They exchanged views on matters of mutual interest and discussed the possibility of including Bengali as an optional subject in the GCSE syllabus.
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#Bangladesh ends a most festive #Dussehra2025 celebration, with a record number of mandaps put up: across entire Bangladesh, 2025: 33,355 mandaps 2024: 31,461 in Dhaka city, 2025: 259 mandaps 2024: 252 #India #Hindu #Festival #Dussehra #DurgaPuja
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.@andreajenkyns Andrea Jenkyns, the First Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire, met with the High Commissioner @abida1968 Abida Islam and extended an invitation to the High Commissioner to attend the ‘Great Exhibition of Lincolnshire’ in October 2025.
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A meeting was held between High Commissioner @abida1968 Abida Islam and @AnnabelBoud , CEO of the @commschols in the UK. During the meeting, they discussed the strong and ongoing educational partnership between Bangladesh and the UK.
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The Government of Bangladesh🇧🇩 unequivocally condemns the recent Israeli military aggression against the State of Qatar.
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