The United Kingdom has frozen assets worth more than £250 million linked to Bangladeshi individuals as part of its broader efforts to combat illicit financial activities, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke said on Tuesday.
Speaking at a “DCAB Talk” event organised by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association Bangladesh at the National Press Club in Dhaka, she described the move as a reflection of the UK’s strong commitment to upholding the rule of law and safeguarding the global financial system.
However, Sarah Cooke noted that recovering and repatriating such funds is a lengthy legal process that requires substantial evidence to succeed in court.
Highlighting future cooperation, she announced that the UK will host an “Illicit Finance Summit” in London this summer, adding that Bangladesh’s finance minister has been invited to attend the event.
On domestic political matters, the envoy said the implementation of the “July Charter” is an internal issue for Bangladesh and should be addressed through parliamentary debate.
She stressed that it is not appropriate for external actors to interfere in such matters, noting that Bangladesh has a functioning parliamentary system with elected representatives.
When asked about individuals who may have taken refuge in the UK following the July mass uprising, she declined to comment, citing the British government’s policy on personal data confidentiality.
Sarah Cooke also reaffirmed the UK’s support for Bangladesh’s reform agenda, particularly in areas such as economic restructuring and export diversification.
Addressing global issues, she acknowledged that ongoing tensions in the Middle East have had economic impacts on both countries and said the UK is actively working behind the scenes to support efforts toward resolving the crisis.
The discussion was also attended by DCAB President AKM Moinuddin and General Secretary Imrul Kayes.
