British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke met with Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Professor Dr AZM Zahid Hossain at his office at the Secretariat. Photo : PID

DHAKA, July 7, 2026 (BSS) - British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke today reaffirmed the United Kingdom's commitment to strengthening cooperation with Bangladesh in the areas of women's and children's rights, social protection and development.

She gave the reaffirmation during a meeting with Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Professor Dr AZM Zahid Hossain at his office at the Secretariat.

A wide range of issues, including sustainable development of women and children, gender equality, women's economic and political empowerment, female education, prevention of child marriage, cyberbullying and eliminating violence against women and children were discussed.

The minister said the government remains committed to building a humane and justice-based Bangladesh by taking a firm stand against corruption and working to eliminate all forms of violence against women and children.

Cooke called for further expanding Bangladesh-UK cooperation in social protection and safeguarding the rights of women and children, while reiterating Britain's support for Bangladesh's ongoing development programmes.

During the meeting, Zahid highlighted key government initiatives, including the Family Card programme, the One-Stop Crisis Centre, the Quick Response Team and the DNA Laboratory. 

He said scientific evidence collected through the DNA laboratory is helping expedite the prosecution of rape and other sexual violence cases, ensuring more reliable judicial proceedings and better access to justice for victims.

He also said the government is providing education, food and healthcare support to disadvantaged 
women, including tea workers, members of the Santal community and women living in the hill districts, alongside vocational training in handicrafts and caregiving to enhance their economic self-reliance.
Responding to the high commissioner's interest in the Family Card programme, the minister said the government launched the universal initiative jointly through the social welfare and finance ministries to improve the livelihoods of poor and disadvantaged women. 

The cards are being issued online in women's names through a transparent process without discrimination based on religion, ethnicity or political affiliation, he added.

The minister also noted that the government has introduced free mid-day meals and school uniforms for primary school students.

Seeking greater market access, Zahid requested British support to help Bangladeshi women export their handmade products to the UK. 

Cooke assured him of positive cooperation and praised the recent achievements of Bangladesh's women's cricket and football teams.

The British envoy also said the UK would continue its humanitarian assistance for displaced Rohingya from Myanmar and expressed hope for their early, safe and voluntary repatriation.