Bangladesh’s Minister for Road Transport, Bridges, Railways, and Shipping, Sheikh Robiul Alam, held a bilateral meeting in London with UK Transport Minister The Right Honourable Heidi Alexander. During the meeting, he requested the United Kingdom’s assistance in simplifying and expediting OKTB, transit, and seafarer-related visas for Bangladeshi sailors working on international vessels. The discussion took place on Thursday, with details released by Bangladesh’s Ministry of Shipping on Friday.

The minister called for greater British investment, joint ventures, technology transfer, and public-private partnerships in Bangladesh’s shipbuilding, marine engineering, port development, and maritime industries. He highlighted Bangladesh’s commitment to implementing the Hong Kong International Convention to ensure global standards in ship recycling, noting that 27 of the country’s 42 recycling yards already meet international criteria. He also reaffirmed Bangladesh’s support for global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable maritime transport.

Both sides expressed determination to strengthen cooperation in transport, shipping, railways, port development, trade, and investment. Sheikh Robiul Alam invited the UK minister to visit Bangladesh at a convenient time.