Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey. Photo : Bangladesh High Commission, London, United Kingdom

DHAKA, Nov 20, 2025 (BSS) - Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey today began her first official visit to Bangladesh to discuss areas of mutual interest, including deepening engagement to support the people's aspirations for peace, stability, democracy, good governance and prosperity.

Arriving in Dhaka for a four-day visit from November 20-24, she will meet key figures in the interim government, including Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, political party leaders, the Chief Election Commissioner, high commissioners and other representatives, according to the Commonwealth Secretariat.

Her visit comes ahead of Bangladesh's general election expected in February 2026 and at what the Secretariat described as "a pivotal moment in the country's national journey".

During her meetings, the Secretary-General will brief stakeholders on the Commonwealth's new Strategic Plan, which identifies democracy as one of its three core pillars, and will seek guidance on how tailored Commonwealth support can best assist the people of Bangladesh.

Speaking ahead of her visit, Botchwey described Bangladesh as "a valued member of the Commonwealth", noting that the Commonwealth was the first intergovernmental organisation Bangladesh joined soon after independence.

"The Commonwealth and Bangladesh have a strong partnership, one that matters even more now as the country heads towards the polls next year," she said. 

In line with the Commonwealth Charter, she said she would engage with a wide range of stakeholders "to understand the context first-hand and explore where we can offer informed support in the spirit of partnership and mutual respect".

"Our shared commitment with Bangladesh remains supporting a peaceful, inclusive and participatory environment, where rights and fundamental freedoms of every citizen are respected," she added. 

"That is what the people of Bangladesh rightly expect from us. They can continue to count on the Commonwealth as a trusted partner in their efforts to build a just, inclusive and prosperous future for all."

The Secretary-General also conveyed her best wishes to the people of Bangladesh as they prepare to exercise their right to vote and reaffirmed the Commonwealth's full support for them on their democratic journey.

"The visit is expected to further strengthen the relationship between Bangladesh and the Commonwealth," said Bangladesh High Commission in London.